FRINTON cricketer Miguel Machado says he has a point to prove this season.

By his own admission, the 20-year-old had a disappointing time after joining the Ashlyns Road club last June.

He was drafted into their Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship side but only made one half-century - ironically on his debut, against Halstead.

However, he feels “stronger and more confident” heading into the new campaign and his early-season form backs up that optimism.

The South African scored 39 not out as Frinton won by four wickets at Copdock and Ipswichian, in their opening Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League contest on April 21.

And the following day, he smashed an unbeaten 91 as Frinton were pipped by just four runs in their National Club Championship fixture at home to Fakenham.

“I definitely feel I’ve got a point to prove,” said Machado.

“Last year I came over and didn’t deliver what the club wanted, so now I’m hoping to do well and make up for it.

“I’m really looking forward to this season.

“I’ve been training hard during the winter and feel prepared.

“I’ve come back feeling stronger and more confident when I walk out to the middle and hopefully I can score a lot of runs.

“I’ve started pretty well already and now I’d like to push on.

“As a team, I definitely believe we can be successful this season.

“We have a very strong side.

“Everyone’s feeling positive and hopefully we can deliver, both for the team and the club.

“With the players we have, there’s no doubt in my mind we’re capable of winning the league.”

Machado joined from Wimbledon, where he had been playing in the Surrey Championship.

And he says he is delighted to be part of such a supportive, friendly club.

“I love it here,” he said.

“The ground is beautiful and everyone’s very friendly.

“It’s a really supportive club.

“They really look after and back their players.

“Every time we play at home, there’s a crowd watching and that makes a big difference.”

After their recent fixture at home to Burwell and Exning was washed out, Frinton returned to Premier League action at home to Horsford on Saturday.

They won by six wickets, with new Sri Lankan recruit Pulina Thuranga making an instant impact, taking three wickets for 25 runs as the visitors were all out for 124.

Skipper Kyran Young also took three wickets and there were a couple apiece for Michael Comber and Mervyn Westfield.

Frinton then rattled off the runs need for victory, with Young making 34, Alex Price 30 and Thuranga 25.

Frinton head to Sudbury on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Frinton’s second team won by five wickets at Woolpit last weekend, in division one of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.

Jermaine Shillingford (three wickets), skipper Sam Brynes (84) and James Baker (77 not out) were the stars of their victory and the team will be hoping for more success at home to Wivenhoe on Saturday.