BOBBY Sher has challenged Slough Cricket Club to raise their game and target a top-three finish in Division One of the Home Counties Premier League this season.

Slough failed to fire last summer and finished in mid-table, and Sher wants more of an effort from his team in the new campaign.

“Compared to previous years where we have been in the top three, we had a disappointing season last time, so we need to aim high again,” Sher told the Observer.

“Obviously the first achievement is to stay in the league and the second stage is a top-three finish.

“We all know we under-performed last year so the challenge is for everyone to step up to the mark, have respect for their position, and put in stronger performances.

“We have just got to make sure we work harder than last year and to be honest our preparation has been pretty good.

“We beat Reading two weeks ago, Ealing on Saturday and won our T20 match against Amersham on Bank Holiday Monday, so hopefully we will be ready.”

Slough begin the new season at home to High Wycombe this Saturday (11.30am start) and Sher expects a thorough examination of his team from the defending champions.

“I don’t know how they have recruited this summer but it will be a very tough challenge for us,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s nice to play an easy team first and get a win under your belt, but sometimes being thrown in at the deep end shows you what character you have in the side.

“I suppose playing at home will be an advantage for us, but if there is any it’s very minimal, so it will be about who performs better on the day.

"If you make your home ground a tough one to win at it will be easier to be in the top three, but we have just got to look forward to Saturday.

“The team is the same as last year, but we hope Lloyd Patternot will be available a lot more after injury, and we have brought in Steve Greene from Oxford Brooks.” Slough have also launched a fifth team this year.