Johan de Silva discussed the club’s aims for the next campaign and the success they have achieved with All Stars Cricket

Highgate look set to retain all of their squad for the 2019 Middlesex County League Division Two season, according to Johan de Silva.

The Shepherd’s Cot club suffered relegation from the top flight this year, but ended the campaign strongly to lift spirits ahead of the next term.

Although the 2019 season is expected to be tough, Highgate will be eager to bounce back and reach the Premier Division again at the first time of asking.

Clubman de Silva said: “At this point in time, it looks as though we will be retaining our entire squad for 2019, which is hugely positive.

“This will allow the lower teams in the club to continue to develop and progress in their relative top divisions while strengthening the younger players who are coming through our systems.”

Last year was Highgate’s first in the top flight and now they have sampled it, they are determined to go back.

“We look forward to the beginning of the 2019 season,” second-team player and club administrator de Silva said.

“Having had a taste of the Premier, it is fair to say that the lads want more and will be training harder than ever before to make that dream a reality.”

On the pitch, the 2018 campaign was a mixed one for Highgate with relegation from the top tier confirmed in August, but off it they go from strength to strength.

All Stars Cricket and Schools Recruitment lead de Silva has worked hard to improve the number of colts at the club through the year.

The hard work he has put in has proved to be worthwhile with Highgate boasting an excellent increase in numbers.

He added: “The junior section has made a remarkable improvement with 728 per cent growth seen on All Stars Cricket alone and the club has also turned a corner in an exciting alliance between us and Crouch End CC on women’s and girls cricket.

“The atmosphere around the club is most certainly positive and we move into a busy off season of planning ready to ensure that we execute effectively on the pitch in 2019.”