Sentinel looking to build on first victory

Long-serving Australian Mal Serplet and Jamie Wear are both unavailable for tomorrow’s trip to Worcester Nomads.

Serplet struck 81 and shared in an excellent partnership with centurion Craig Heath as Sentinel enjoyed an impressive 47-run win at Stratford-upon-Avon last weekend in just their second match at a higher level following promotion from the Shropshire County League as champions.

Skipper Ed Ashlin now wants his team to try and generate some momentum on the back of their Stratford success as they get ready for another lengthy journey. “We’ve got our long trips in early and we’re looking forward to it,” said Ashlin.

“We’re again going into the unknown a little bit.

“We’ve just got to make sure that we prepare right and hopefully try and get some momentum going from the victory we’ve got which hopefully is going to give us a lot of confidence.

“We want to try and put on a similar performance.

“There’s still areas we can improve on, definitely, but we’re looking forward to it.”

David Laird, Sentinel’s promising opening batsman, has scored half-centuries in both of his first two Birmingham League matches, with Ashlin impressed with how he has handled the step up.

He added: “He’s a quality young player with bat and ball for us and I’m sure the runs will continue to come for him as long as he keeps working hard.

“I’m pleased with the way he’s started the season.”

Newport have made a flying start to the season and sit joint-top with two wins from two. They host Milford Hall tomorrow.

Along with Stourbridge and Brewood, Newport are one of three teams with maximum points so far.