CRICKET: Sam Handley is excited to be leading Hadleigh & Thundersley into action this season.

Handley has taken over from Adam Dobson as captain of the Premier Division side.

And Handley is enjoying the added responsibility.

“It’s a huge honour, “ said Handley.

“I’ve been vice captain to Adam for the past three seasons and he was amazing in mentoring me and getting me ready to step into his shoes.

“I’m lucky to have such a good group of lads that have made the transition pretty seamless.

“Everyone knows their role in the side and what’s expected of them.

“We are very optimistic about this season too.

“Finishing fourth in back to back seasons in the Prem was massive but the goal has to be to keep improving take one game at a time and see where we are half way through.”

Hadleigh have certainly made an impressive start to the season after beating Hornchurch by 10 wickets on the opening day of the campaign.

And Handley was delighted with the win.

“I couldn’t ask for a better start to be honest,” said Handley.

“A 10 wicket win against a strong Hornchurch side is something we would have only dreamed of a couple of years ago but it shows how far we have come as a club.”

Hadleigh will now be looking to build on that success when they head to Hutton tomorrow.

And Handley is expecting a tough afternoon.

“We expect Hutton to be energetic,” said Handley.

“As a side just back into the Prem they will be up for it.

“But we just need to make sure we take last week’s form into this game.”

As they attempt to do just that, Hadleigh will again have this season’s new signings in their side.

“We have made a couple of new additions,” said Handley.

“Matt Brewster a wicket keeper bat from Sydney has been a great addition for us.

“He’s started the season brilliantly and is working hard to keep improving every week “Roy Smith has joined us this year.

“We have played a lot against Roy in the past and know what a great player he is so to add someone with that quality and experience was an excellent pick up.”

Elsewhere this weekend, Billericay head to Buckhurst Hill in Division One while Wickford host Gidea Park & Romford.

In Division Two, Benfleet head to Epping, Old Southendian & Southchurch are home to Old Brentwoods and Westcliff host Leigh on Sea.

In Division Three, Southend & EMT host Harlow.