TAREE West's new captain, Dean Mills, said he'll be disappointed if the side doesn't feature in the 2019/20 Mid North Coast Premier League cricket semi-finals.
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Mills, who takes the reins for the first time this season, concedes the West have been the under achievers in the two summer history of the premier league. The side has yet to play finals cricket.
"With the team we're going to have this year we should be there at the business end,'' Mills said.
He returns to Taree West this season after turning out with premier league champions, United in 2018/19, where his appearances were limited due to work commitments.
An all-rounder and former Northern NSW Emu representative, Mills is looking forward to the challenge of leading the team.
"The boys asked me to be captain and I was happy to put my hand up,'' Mills said.
Taree West will have one newcomer who Mills said has looked impressive at training.
"He's an all-rounder - a top order batsman who can bowl. I don't want to give away too much too early, but he looks okay,'' Mills said.
Taree West's fortunes have largely revolved around dynamic batsman Josh Meldrum in the past two seasons. Meldrum was the captain, but was happy to relinquish the role when Mills came on board.
Generally speaking when Meldrum made runs, so did Taree West. But conversely, when Meldrum missed out, the West usually crashed with him.
Mills stressed that this has to be addressed if the side wants to be a regular in the winner's circle.
"Josh is a great bat, but he can't do it all by himself. Other batsmen in the top five have to consistently make runs,'' he said.
Mills believes opening bowler Ryan Williams will return to his best after a patchy 2018/19, while evergreen all-rounder Paul Cox will be fronting up for another season.
"We have a few young fellas who we're looking to bring into the premier league this year as well,'' he said.
"A couple had a taste of it last season.''
Taree West seemed to have problems getting their top XI consistently on the field in the past two seasons. Mills is confident this won't be the case this year.
"Everyone is one the same page - we all get along and that's a big thing,'' he said.
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"Obviously work will always come first, but otherwise we should have everyone available most weeks.''
Mills has captained junior teams and at representative level but this will be his debut as a week in-week out skipper. He's looking forward to the leading the team.
"Yep, 100 per cent,'' he answered.
"I can't wait.''
Taree West open the season with a home game against last season's finalists, Wauchope RSL at the Johnny Martin Oval on October 12.
