The new-look outfit, which withdrew from the first grade competition mid-season in 2016-17, crushed PCH/Glendon by 30 runs at Cook Park 3 at the weekend.

Watts led the charge with the bat, thanks to an unbeaten half century, while Mick Deakin produced an amazing bowling spell, claiming 6-9 off three overs.

“After what happened [last year], it was good to get an early win,” the youngster said.

“It will give the boys a bit of confidence.

“We had a few guys out, but everyone contributed to the victory.

“As for Mick’s [Deakin] figures, it was a great effort.

“After going for eight runs in his first over, he picked up 6-1 off his next two.”

Watts finished with 50 not out – and he’s keen to maintain that momentum against JPC at Victoria Park on Saturday.

“I was a bit rusty to start with,” he admitted.

“Hopefully, I can score some more runs this weekend.

“JPC is coming off a bye, so we know it will be tough.

“But, we’ve got a stronger team this season, with more batting and bowling depth in the line-up.

“Marty Blenman has also returned – and brought a few players back from Maitland.

“They’re experienced, which is good for us.

“I think we’ll learn a lot from each other.”

It will be a busy time for Watts, who’ll also undertake his HSC from Monday.

“Yeah, I might miss a week or two,” he said.

“However, my goal is to perform consistently for the side.

“I want to score as many runs as possible.

“And, I don’t feel a finals berth is out of the question.

“If we make them, we’ll be competitive.

“Valley and Creeks appear the big dangers; they always go well.”

PCH/Glendon v Creeks (Howe Park)

JPC v Muswellbrook (Victoria Park)

Valley bye

PCH/Glendon v Creeks (Cook Park 2)

JPC v Muswellbrook (Cook Park 3)

Valley v Denman (Denman No 1)

PCH/Glendon v Creeks (Cook Park 5)

Valley v Denman (Denman No 2)

JPC bye