Havant eye trophies as they put in the hard yards

The Southern League premier division title chasers will be starting the second-half of the campaign when they host Alton tomorrow (11.30am).

Meanwhile, in cup competitions Walker’s side are also going strongly.

They host Frocester on Sunday in the ECB Club Championship national stage (1pm).

And they are due to meet Burridge in the Southern League Twenty20 Cup on Sunday, July 17.

Walker said: ‘We have big games coming up so we have to work hard in training for those.

‘In the league we’re halfway through the season now so we go back around again.

‘We play everyone we have already played, starting with an all-day game at home to Alton.

‘This a big weekend. We have got the national cup competition coming up on Sunday at Havant Park.

‘Then the weekend after we’ve got Burridge to come in the T20 as well.

‘This is the time you really look forward to.

‘It’s the business end of the season when you play the big games.’

The weather has been extremely frustrating for the Havant players in recent weeks.

Havant and hosts Burridge were denied any action due to a waterlogged area of the outfield last Saturday.

Before that Havant’s match with Hampshire Academy washed out.

Walker added: ‘We have to keep working in training, doing the hard yards and make sure we are ready when we do get the rub of the green and the weather gods are on our side.

‘Everyone wants to be playing, it’s the exciting stage of the season.

‘Hopefully we just get a little bit of summer so we can play those games.’

Havant are second in the league behind Bashley.

Walker is pleased with what he has seen so far as they target a first title since 2011.

They are bidding to stop the run of success for South Wilts, who have achieved four premier division crowns on the bounce since then, with Havant second three times.

Success this summer would certainly be the perfect reward for the way the team have been playing and they are all enjoying their cricket.

Walker is happy with the spirit and togetherness in the group as they chase glory.

He added: ‘We’re working hard and we are a close-knit bunch.

‘The guys have been putting in some hard yards and getting the rewards with their performances.

‘It’s exciting to be in this position with two cup competitions and still very much in with a chance to take the title for the first time in a long time.

‘Hopefully we can keep pushing on and get some trophies.’