Epsom CC’s skipper Danny Secchi said his side’s remarkable unbeaten start to the season is down to pre-planning and confidence.

However, he has also warned his team-mates that the hard work starts now.

Epsom have beaten all comers to sit pretty on top of Division Three, and last weekend’s 126-run win at Chipstead Coulsden & Walcountians stretched their unbeaten run to nine games and their lead at the top to 28 points.

Secchi said anything other than promotion as champions would be a disappointment, but they are now firmly in the firing line.

“We are the scalp that other teams want now – they are out gunning for us because of this unbeaten run,” he said.

“No one ever won a prize for finishing top of the table at the halfway point, we just need to maintain our consistency and work.

“Complacency is a dirty word at Epsom, it is something I won’t allow to creep in.

“It is all about keeping our discipline, and making sure that we do our pre-match work-outs.”

Epsom have endured a tough few years – relegated in consecutive seasons, and only avoiding relegation to Division Four last term in the final knockings.

But, this time around, the side has been in training since February, but the skipper said their success is down to more than just practice.

“There are some of us in the team who know we won’t be playing cricket at his level for much longer, and I think we’ve pulled our finger out a bit to go out with a bang,” he said.

“We have shown real commitment this season, better than I can remember, and it has shown.

“We have great confidence and momentum, and we have got the batting right.

“The guys are staying in, building partnerships, and that is what you need to put pressure on the opposition.

“I bat right down the order, and I’ve only got to the crease once this season – that says it all.”

Secchi hailed the form of overseas star from South Africa Godfrey Stevens, who showed why with a top all-round display against Coulsden.

With the bat, Stevens hit an unbeaten 106, before taking 3-31 with the ball – his batting average sits at 71, while his economy is a miserly two.

Epsom finished on 249-4, and then skittled Coulsden for 123 in the 40th over.

“Godfrey has been great this season,” Secchi said.

“But some of the other lads have stepped up to the mark as well.

“Rob Lowe has been at the club for about 25 years, and his average was up around 137 a few weeks ago. It is down to a more manageable 72 now, but he has been a real stalwart at the club.

“As has Ben Hudson, who has played really well this season.”

Epsom host Bank of England this weekend at the Francis Schnadhorst Memorial Ground.