TRURO skipper Charlie Kent is targeting the top half in the ECB Cornwall Premier League and a run in the Vinter Cup this summer.

The city outfit were relegated from the top-flight for the first time in their history in 2022, but after securing an immediate return, survived fairly comfortably last term in their first season back.

Kent admitted last season was a positive.

He said: “Overall last year was a decent season by finishing seventh. We had periods of winning games and losing games, with a bit consistency we could have easily finished in the top half.

“But that said, our main goal was to retain our place in the Premier League and we did that comfortably.”

Kent also believes their team spirit was a key factor.

He continued: “I think the main thing is that we get along with each other. We have a good team morale and camaraderie, but the main focus point for us this season is to be more consistent in our performances.”

Truro have had a busy winter.

While none of the local players have left, their have been several incomings.

Last year’s pro, former Pakistan all-rounder Amir Yamin who proved a huge hit on the field as an opening bowler and hard-hitting number four is being replaced by Indian Akhilesh Sahani who will likely fill the same position, but there are four other notable incomings.

Cornwall all-rounder Scott Kellow has headed up the A39 having played for Constantine over the last couple of years, while hard-hitting Luke Johnson has swapped Redruth for Boscawen Park.

Promising wicket-keeper Wilf Bartlett has left Penzance to try his luck at Premier League level, while batsman Jack Williams has moved to the area having turned out for Somerset side Cranmore.

Kent continued: “Our overseas is similar to last season’s as we’ve gone for a fast bowling all-rounder, and we also feel like we have recruited well with a mix of youth and experience.

“We know it’s going to be another very competitive league as it always is, but we’ll definitely be looking at getting in the top half and hopefully a good run in the Vinter Cup.”

Truro’s success last year was built on scrapping away as a team plus the excellence of Yamin, and Kent hopes their fielding levels will increase.

He said: “We had different contributions from the batsmen with four scoring over 300 runs, which is a positive, but our fielding can definitely improve such as catching and ground fielding and our awareness and anticipation in the outfield.”

However, he has several more options to call upon this term.

He said: “Scott Kellow and Luke Johnson joining from Constantine and Redruth bring experience and match-winning capabilities to the side with Wilf Bartlett, wicketkepper batsman joining from Penzance and batsman Jack Williams joining after moving down to the county.

“Our overseas will bring some big-hitting to the middle order and highly-skilled seam bowling, so we’re in a good place.”

Truro start their campaign at Helston on Saturday in a game both teams will fancy their chances in.

Kent added: “In the past we’ve started off slowly which has put us under pressure to get wins.

“With this season looking as competitive as ever, a couple of early victories will go a long way to helping us achieve our goals.”