Weybridge CC skipper Joel Pope loves the foundation on which his side are building their season, although he admits that ‘Rome was not built in a day’.

After narrowly avoiding relegated from the Premier Division last term, Pope and his charges are targeting a top three finish this time round.

Last weekend’s seven-wicket home win over East Molesey continued a run of five matches unbeaten.

It also kept them fourth in the table, in touch with the leading pack of Wimbledon, Sunbury and Banstead.

Pope said: “We have yet to play the top three in the longer format of the game, and I guess we need to at least win two and draw one to stay in the mix.

“We’ve beaten Wimbledon already this season, so confidence is very high and we’re really enjoying our cricket – it is much easier to play when you are enjoying it.

“Our aim was always to finish in the top three. We know that Rome was not built in a day and that it will take time, you cannot turn a team that was almost relegated into division winners the following season.”

Against East Molesey, Pope’s men were set 262 to win after the visitors declared on 261-7 off 61 overs.

Despite the mammoth run-chase, a majestic knock of 116 off 100 balls from SJ Erwee – ably supported by Thushara Managei’s 69 not out – had Weybridge sailing past the target in the 36th over.

Pope said: “It was a hard deck and both sides seemed to be lacking in the bowling attack, and both sides seemed to be scoring at a run a ball. Even so, Molesey’s 261 was a good score.

“Our opener Luc Durandt (41) went at it from the start and gave us a good foundation. Then SJ came in and batted beautifully.

“He was supported by Thushara and, although they are both better suited to sticking around rather than hammering the ball, they were the main reason we chased the target done so quickly.”

He added: “Going for it has cost us this season when we’ve failed to chase down 130, but we’re full of confidence now.”

Weybridge go to Guildford this weekend, with Pope wary of complacency.

“Guildford have had it tough recently, but they can turn it on when they want,” he said.

“We will have to be at our best to get anything there.”