JOHN Cordingley is hoping Darwen can celebrate their centenary with style this year as he looks to a summer of fun.

Cordingley led his men to the Readers Cup and a place in this year’s Lancashire Cup by way of a fourth-placed finish and the skipper wants more of the same ahead of what promises to be an enthralling campaign.

“We had a good season last time out – and we want more of the same,” said Cordingley. “I think the league is wide open this year, there are seven teams right up there capable of challenging and we are in that mix.

“It’s a huge year for Darwen with it being the centenary and it would be superb to celebrate with some silverware.

“Last year was a good year with the Readers Cup win the highlight but we are hoping to build on that. We need to get our batting more consistent as, bowling wise, we are as good as any team in the league.”

With professional Mohammad Zaman Khan returning to Birch Hall, fireworks are pretty much guaranteed and Cordingley added: “He only knows one way to play and it is great to watch.”

Gareth Cordingley is available this year and will look to add to his 10,000 Northern League runs and his brother and skipper added: “We have a good mix. The young lads are a year older and I really think we can achieve things this time.”

Young talent Alex Davies may miss games, though, thanks to his continued involvement in the England junior set-ups. Davies has been playing for the England under 19s in the build up to the season.

“Alex is an outstanding talent and we are all behind him,” added Cordingley. “But we have many up and coming players at the club.”