In the horse racing world at the beginning of every season a book is published called “Dark horses to follow”. The book is designed to inform punters of unexposed horses who are ready to explode into form for the coming season.

With this in mind I have decided to take a look at Rosaneri’s potential ad hoc stars for 2008.

Paul Sindrey – If his pre season is anything to go by he is in for a fabulous 2008. Paul has dedicated himself to becoming a leading attack bowler. Already in only two winter nets he has significantly cranked up the pace to a level that will challenge even top club cricketers. He could easily become Mat Freeman’s regular strike partner at the top of the attack, with the left arm/right arm combination being a dream for the selectors.

Gareth Cox – Another fast bowler to watch out for in the coming season. He has not made it to a winter net yet, but the end of last season saw Gareth return some brilliant figures and in fact he tops the club’s bowling averages. He is still undoubtedly rough around the edges, and needs to get a good few nets in between now and the start of the season. Gareth has a classic action and has the advantage of being deceptively quick. His batting will also bring much excitement to Rosaneri fans in 2008. He has some powerful shots in the locker and looks to attack the bowling from the very first ball he faces. Gareth is more than capable of returning a fifty this summer and if conditions are right he could easily turn into a regular match winner.

Neil McHugh (Bonehead) – Neil was an original contracted player but stood down early last season to concentrate on league cricket as a batsman for North Enfield. His season went very well with a top score in the 40’s, and now returns to Rosaneri as an opening batsman. Neil is dogged, steady and will provide a great platform this summer for the pinks to compile some big totals. His main job will be to see off the opening bowlers to allow the big hitters to come in and pick off the weaker bowlers.

Stephen Underwood – Batted and bowled to great effect for the club last year, but left the impression that we can expect so much more with the ball this year. Stephen’s accuracy is close to that of a professional darts player, and with a bit of luck will end up with some big wicket hauls this season. His fielding is also very smart, and he will give the pinks a good chance of victory when selected.

Graham Hooper – Is capable of so much more than his bare form of last year suggested. His bowling is always tight and accurate, but his batting is the real area to keep an eye on. 2008 could well see Graham explode as a batsman with fifties being well within his radar, and even a hundred if conditions are right. Graham’s batting is well suited to both 20/20 and longer forms of the game and his style can quickly adapt to the match situation. Big scores and wickets seem guaranteed this summer.