Diss skipper remains upbeat

Captain Mark Williamson is confident that has Diss CC side has the quality and character to reverse their recent slide down the table.

Diss started life back in the Norfolk Cricket Alliance Premier Division brightly with wins over Cromer and Brooke.

However, that triumph at Brooke’s expense in May was the last time Williamson’s men tasted victory as they embarked on a five-game losing streak prior to Saturday’s tie with bottom-of-the-table Acle.

Next up for Diss tomorrow is a clash away at the side currently keeping them out of the relegation zone, Cromer (12pm).

Just four points splits the sides, leaving Williamson hoping his team are promptly able to rediscover that winning feeling.

“It is a much different standard to what we were playing last year and we are being punished for our mistakes,” said Williamson.

“There have been games we should have won but we were not good enough in certain areas.

“The next two or three games are massive, starting on Saturday. There are still plenty of points left to play for.”

When asked if he was worried the club could suffer a second relegation in just three seasons, the skipper replied: “No. We have shown our quality this year in the wins over Cromer and Brooke.

“We know we can be competitive at this level and our squad is good enough.

“I think it is a case of getting that one win, and then two or three more will follow.”

One area Williamson does want to see improvements in is their fielding.

Diss dropped a number of catches during the weekend’s clash with Acle, which ultimately cost them the chance of taking maximum points.

“The fielding was the worst part of our game on Saturday,” he added.

“We dropped four or five catches and that is not good enough.

“You will not win games of cricket if you keep giving the opposition that many let-offs.”

James Hardy is set to return to the side for this weekend’s crucial fixture.