NEW Tintagel Cricket Club captain, Jordan Burnard, believes his side are just a couple players short of being able to push for promotion to Division Two East of the LWC Drinks Cornwall Cricket League in 2019.

Burnard, 26, takes over from all-rounder Ryan Pooley who has left to try his luck at a higher level with Werrington.

Since winning Division Four East at the first time of asking back in 2016 following relegation, the Butts Field outfit have secured back-to-back fifth-placed finishes.

Ahead of last summer, Pooley brought in the likes of bowling all-rounder Ross Keast, the prolific Matthew Gilbert and Australian overseas Josh Andrewartha in anticipation of a promotion push.

However by the midway point, all three had left for various reasons and they eventually settled for fifth despite winning just four of their opening 11 games.

But a good back end to the season saw them end with a record of nine wins and nine defeats from their 20 games, with two ruined by the weather.

And although Burnard wishes Pooley well at Ladycross, the batsman is determined to ensure that Tintagel keep moving forward.

He said: “There was a bit of talk of doing it when Jason Seldon stepped down in 2016, but I’d been away working in Weymouth and Ryan wanted to have a go at it first. But because I was his vice-captain it was a natural progression. Jason is also going to be my vice-captain, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I like to think that I get along with everyone at the club and I understand how the club works, which is the main thing. Hopefully with a couple of signings we can take the club forward. If we can get those, then hopefully we can improve on our position from last year and challenge for promotion.”

Reflecting on last year, he admits that May and early June cost them.

He said: “We had a shaky start and lost a few early on. There was a lot of uncertainty and a bit of a divide in the camp, which led to a few leaving.

“Following that, we turned it around a bit. The morale and general feeling around the club improved and we finished fifth in the end.

“We’ve already been in touch with a few, but depending on how things go elsewhere, we might see some strengthening.

“We need a fast bowler and another batsman and then we’ve got a good side. We’re also looking for an overseas who’s ideally a bowling all-rounder to replace Ryan.

“Last year he took over 30 wickets (35 at 19.60) and scored 900 plus runs (935). But we wish him all the best and I’m sure he’ll succeed at a higher level like others from Tintagel have in the past.”

With St Blazey, Boconnoc, Callington seconds and Newquay seconds coming down from Division Two, Burnard knows it will be a much tougher league, but is backing his men to perform.

He said: “It’ll make things more interesting. We usually rise to the challenge and we’re at our best when our backs are up against the wall. The aim is to be in the top half, if not challenging for promotion.”

Last summer was a tough one for the seconds with injuries and absentees throughout the club meaning they had to play a number of games with less than 11 on their way to finishing bottom of Division Five East.

David Lane is back in charge on a full-time basis after he replaced Chris Lovegrove towards the end of last season.

In other club news, Stephen Jose has stepped down as chairman with Alan Sargeant currently in the role on a temporary basis.

The club are also hoping to replace the well-used astroturf pitch, which is normally used for the Tintagel Evening League, and are seeking funding for a mobile net as well as renovating the existing nets.

If you’re interested in joining Tintagel, contact Burnard on 07802524962 or via email at [email protected]