Upton skipper Matt Owen is still aiming high after last year’s promotion to Division Two of the Cheshire County Cricket League.

This time last year, Owen believed back-to-back promotions were doable – after wrapping up the Division Three title in style, nothing has changed on that front.

“It was relatively comfortable last year, Christleton pushed us but it was never really in too much doubt,” he said.

“This season is about kicking on from where we left off and keeping that momentum going. 

“We were keen on back-to-back promotions and there’s no reason why we can’t look somewhere near to achieving that.”

Luke Camden’s return from Neston to his boyhood club should help matters.

The left-hander made more than 5,000 league runs for the Shrimps across 12 seasons and brings a wealth of top-flight nous.

“He was with us until about 15 then went off to play Premier League cricket, so he’s got a lot of experience,” said Owen.

“That experience, that calibre of player, has to be a bonus for the side, and he’s already had an impact in training. 

“He’ll add a lot with the bat, in the field and in the changing rooms.”

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And Australian batter Chris McArthur, who racked up 1,027 league runs last year, will also be back to test himself at a higher level.

Owen added: “It’s always like a new recruit when you manage to retain your overseas. 

“We’ve got a really good squad of 15 or 16 who could become 1st XI cricketers. 

“Division Two and Division Three are not too dissimilar in terms of standard. There are a few unknowns to us in there, but there’s a few we’ve played a lot of cricket against. 

“There will be three or four teams really pushing for promotion, but we like to think we’re capable of dealing with the standard of cricket. 

“A lot of it is about momentum. The first six games will be key.”