Having exceeded expectations in its first season in Gisborne and District Cricket Association B grade, Lancefield is aiming to make the finals in the new season.
The Tigers missed finals last season by little more than a point even though most of the players were new to playing at that level.
Tigers coach Luke Barker said they showed they could match it with the top sides, giving them confidence for the new campaign.
“To just miss finals and to beat the top three teams in two-day matches shows we were thereabouts,” he said.
“It was good for the younger boys to show that they can play at this level.
“The challenge is for them to step up and improve another five to 10 per cent.”
Barker said some of the Tigers’ younger and better players had plenty of improvement in them.
“The Malone brothers, Nathan and Luke, are still young and Matt Bowden is 22,” he said.
“They have never played at that standard and kept getting better and better. They want to improve their cricket – they never miss a session.
“They are now talking about playing McIntyre Cup … the furthest thing from their minds three seasons ago. They are starting to realise their potential.”
While the side had added a lot more depth to the list, Barker said the club was talking to more players.
“The unfortunate thing is some boys can’t play every week and I understand that,” he said.
“Most weeks we’re always missing one or two players – its’ good to have an extra few players to pick from.”
Now knowing what to expect in B grade, the Tigers are aiming higher.
“Knowing what we can do, finals are on the agenda,” Barker said. “We’d be disappointed if we didn’t make them.
“Sunbury United have come down this year and are still strong, while Wallan came down the year before.
“They’ll both be pushing to get back up there and standard will again be really high.”
The Tigers start their season on Saturday against Bacchus Marsh.
In other matches, Wallan hosts East Sunbury, Sunbury United faces Macedon and St Anthonys plays Ashfield.
