JAMES Plant insists that he trusts young players at Northwich to hold their own against more experienced rivals in the Cheshire County League’s this season.

When they celebrated a first victory of the new campaign against Runcorn last week, nine of the team graduated from – or are still part of – the club’s junior section.

Four of them were teenagers and they were joined by another, overseas signing Tharusha Fernando, when the Sri Lankan made his debut at Warrington on Saturday.

“They can step up,” said Plant, who succeeded Mark Walker as first-team captain over the winter.

“I was playing senior cricket at their age, and I improved week on week.

“They’re talented, and they’re good enough – I don’t have any doubts about that at all.”

They have big shoes to fill.

The team’s two leading run-scorers last season, Chandrika Wathukarage and Luke Tapsfield, have both departed.

So too has Mohammad Ajmal, who took more than 30 wickets in 2017.

Fortunately, Walker will continue to play.

Plant said: “We’ve lost a fair few, and in one go that’s a blow.

“That’s why it was important to get that first win under our belts as soon as possible.

“It’s massive, and it settles everybody down as well as giving our confidence a boost.

“I’m optimistic though, and our target has to be the top-half of the table because that would represent an improvement on last year’s finish.”

Northwich ranked seventh in Division Two in 2017, but scored more points than in the previous campaign when they classified sixth.

This is their fifth term back in the county league since they were promoted in 2013, and Plant told the Guardian the club feels established again at this level.

He added: “We had a good run in the T20 last year and have enjoyed success in the Cheshire Shield, so we’ve plenty to feel positive about.

“I feel some pressure because of that after taking over as captain, but I think that’s healthy for me and perhaps what I need.

“Gone are the days when I just have to think about what I’m doing – there’s 10 other guys now looking to me for direction.

“I’m ok with that, and it’s an exciting challenge.

“Of course it’s great to have somebody of Mark’s know-how still around, and he’ll be there to whisper in my ear if I ever need some advice.”