Josh Darley backs Oswestry title challenge this summer

“We feel like we have a team that could push for the title and it would be great to get back to the premier division,” said Darley, who believes there is a strong blend of youth and experience in the dressing room.

He added that training standards have stepped up over the winter, with a strong emphasis on fitness, fielding and building a winning mentality ahead of the new campaign.

Key batter Josh Coleridge and all-rounder Henry Walker have been highlighted as ones to watch, with both expected to play major roles with bat and ball over the course of the season.

Coleridge will be looked to for stability and runs at the top of the order, while Walker’s contribution in the middle overs and his ability to change a game quickly could prove crucial in tight contests.

New faces have also freshened up the squad, with the club active in the transfer market to add depth and competition for places. All-rounder JP Erasmus has arrived from Knockin, bringing valuable experience of local conditions and a reputation for tight, disciplined bowling spells, while also offering useful lower‑order runs. Thomas Johnston has joined from Birswith and is expected to strengthen both the seam attack and the fielding unit, adding extra energy in the ring.

Darley hopes the added competition throughout the side will drive standards even higher as Oswestry look to sustain a promotion push right through to the closing weeks of the season.

The skipper also stressed the importance of squad depth, with younger players pushing hard for selection and ready to step in when injuries and unavailability inevitably hit.

With a settled core, some eye‑catching new additions and a clear ambition to climb back into the premier division, Oswestry are determined to ensure they are in the mix at the top end of the table once the business end of the summer arrives.