Railways aim to lift game

Railways Cricket Club head into the Albany Cricket Association A-grade 2016-17 season with their sights set on a record-equalling fourth-straight premiership.

Collingwood Park are the only club to have won four in a row, from 2004-2008, and despite the Tigers losing some key players in the off-season, they have recruited well to give themselves every chance of claiming the coveted four-peat.

The Tigers have lost experienced top order batsmen Matthew Clothier and opening bowler Dylan Holt, but have looked to replenish their stocks with the addition of some new key players. Clothier averaged 40.5 runs last season, while Holt took 18 wickets at an average of 15.7.

The Tigers have brought in batsmen Mark Natale, who played in the 2014-15 season, and former player Jeremy Wood.

Wood returns to the region after playing more than 100 WACA-grade matches with Scarborough and is set to open the batting.

New recruit Matt Walters has recently moved to Albany from Perth, where he played for East Fremantle and will provide a boost to the batting and bowling stocks as a proven all-rounder.

Tigers captain Zane Marwick said youngsters Tom Wolfe and Jack Steel would also be given more opportunities and responsibility in the new season as they continued to improve and gain experience.

In his second season as captain, Marwick said his side was focused on continuing its winning form and he was wary of the chasing pack of clubs who had recruited well in the pre-season.

“The goal definitely is to win — you don’t want to go backwards,” he said

“If we all look to improve and get better as players, the rest will take care of itself.

“You can’t be complacent.

“The guys are excited — they’ve been waiting a long time and we’ve done a lot of training.”

The Tigers begin their title defence against Collingwood Park on Saturday.

Last season:Premiers

Captain:Zane Marwick

Most runs:Brendan Crudeli (599)

Most wickets:Nathan Crudeli (33)