BIG-HITTING Jarryd Walsh has returned for another season at Mistley Cricket Club.

The South African shone last season, plundering over 1,400 runs to finish as second top-scorer in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.

Mistley were hoping he would be available to return for a second year at New Road.

And after agreeing to come back, he will be hoping to inspire an opening-day victory in tomorrow’s division one curtain-raiser at home to Essex neighbours Wivenhoe.

“Jarryd is back and that’s a massive boost for us,” said Swans skipper Danny Goff.

“He scored so many runs last season and was also a big, important character around the dressing room. He has a real presence.

“People look up to him and he’s a great figure for our younger players to look up to.”

Mistley finished seventh out of the dozen division one sides last summer.

And while quick not to ramp up expectations too much, Goff believes his side could be among a pack of clubs in contention for the top spots.

“I think it’ll be quite an open league, now that Sudbury have been promoted,” he said.

“There are four or fives teams who could challenge and hopefully we can be one of them.

“Much depends on availability but when we’ve got our strongest side out, I feel we can match anyone.

“Tomorrow’s match will be an interesting one, against Wivenhoe. It’s a really hard one to call and one that could go either way. We’re certainly looking forward to it.

“I really enjoyed being captain last year and can’t wait to get going tomorrow.”