Back up and eager to stay up

A comprehensive win over promotion rivals Goring-by-Sea last weekend saw Bexhill elevated to the top flight for the third time in five years, though their two previous attempts have ended in immediate relegation.

Next season, Cox is sure that won’t be the case, with Bexhill aiming to really establish themselves as a Premier League outfit.

“We’ll be looking to finish mid-table next season,” Cox said. “Our squad is capable of more than simply avoiding relegation. We can certainly compete in the Premier Division.

“We’ve learnt a lot this year and last season’s relegation was purely down to some inexperience. This time we’ll come back stronger, more mature and we know our strengths and weaknesses better now.

“We won’t be contemplating going straight down again, and I’ve always seen it as my job to make sure we’re in a good position to challenge well next season following a promotion this year.”

Cox isn’t expecting massive changes over the winter, though with overseas player Andrew Williams returning to New Zealand, a new pace bowler will be required.

“We’re always looking to strengthen, but there aren’t usually wholesale changes in cricket,” Cox said. “Our squad is plenty good enough and if we can add just one or two, I’ll be really happy with how we might be lining up.

“Genuinely, I already can’t wait for next season. I know we need to celebrate and recover from this solid campaign, but it’s exciting to think about the possibilities in the Premier Division next year.”

Bexhill ended the season on 383 points, with 11 wins from 16 completed matches.