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THE past two seasons haven't been kind to the CYMS Cougars but confidence remains high heading into another edition of the Whitney Cup.
The wooden spoon has resided with the Cougars during the past two winters but with Ryan Medley taking over as captain there is a new sense of optimism around the club.
Stuart Naden, the English off-spinning all-rounder, is now entering his second season with the men in green and admitted he can't wait to play under Medley.
"I'm really keen," he said.
"That's taking nothing away from Ben O'Donnell, he was outstanding as captain but a new captain makes things a bit fresh and brings new ideas so I'm looking forward to it.
"I've played with Ryan a lot before and I enjoy it."
Another positive for CYMS is the return of Ben Strachan while teenage representative all-rounder Ben Knaggs has made the move across from Newtown.
Knaggs will be one of a number of young players again given the opportunity to shine this season.
Tom Nelson has been named to make his first grade debut in round one and Naden said the club's up-and-comers can play a big role in their rise up the ladder.
"I think with the side we've put together for the first round there's no reason we can't give it a real good shot," he said.
"Our young guys are a bit older, Cal Braithwaite has a year of first grade under his belt now and 'Strachany' is back too.
"We've got some new faces and with 'Meds' (Medley) there it's a bit fresh and he's an attacking captain so we should be able to give it a good go."
Naden said the most pleasing aspect about the side heading into this season was the depth in the bowling attack.
With Strachan there is a genuine new-ball bowler who can intimidate as well as take wickets while in O'Donnell, Nick Guthrie and spinners Medley and Naden there is plenty of variety.
Naden confessed he was particularly keen to see O'Donnell in action this season, without the pressure of captaincy weighing on his shoulders.
"I think there were times last season where he held himself back but given the opportunity to bowl this season I think he'll shine," he said.
"He'll have a bit more freedom with the bat too."
In terms of his own performances, Naden said he will be aiming for a season much like last summer when he finished as the Cougars leading run-scorer and wicket-taker.