WINNING the Division Two West title last year was the catalyst for Slough CC’s impressive season, according to skipper Zaheer Sher.

Slough have been the surprise package in the Home Counties League this term, exceeding all expectations to finish at least third in Division One.

Sher has hailed the spirit in the camp, but admits it may be tough to keep hold of his players, like overseas star Shahid Yusuf, for 2014 campaign.

“Our stand-out player has got to be Shahid,” Sher told the Observer, “Not just for the runs he scores but his presence around the club, he’s very helpful to the youngsters.

“But special mention goes to Raja Nawaz, Zulfiqar Butt, Shaan Khan and Waqas Hussain who have all been superb this season.

“And everyone else has chipped in at the right time, The team itself this year has been so good.

“Winning the title last season is what made us and we’ve just followed that on.” Sher continued: “At the moment, Slough doesn’t have a sponsor or get funding from anywhere. Players don’t get paid to play.

“It’s a challenge but hopefully we can keep everyone together. Clubs are going to come in for players, some will offer £250-300 a game.

“If you’re a young lad and not working that’s a lot of money and hard to refuse.” Slough’s rising stars showed their class in a convincing six-wicket win at relegated Potters Bar last weekend.

Nabil Shah took 3-40 as Potters were bowled out for 182, a total that would have been far lower but for Tanweer Sikandar’s century (102).

Man-of-the-match Shah (42) got Slough’s reply off to a strong start, and a partnership of 84 between Yusuf (50) and Sher (24*) steered the Bucks-based side to a ninth league win.

“It was good to get back to winning ways,” said a relieved Sher, “It was a pretty convincing performance.

“After last week’s stop-start game at Henley we had a good chat and knew we had to work hard to finish the season strongly.

“Apart from Tanweer, Potters’ other batsman didn’t do very much, which shows why their bottom of the league.

“I dropped him, a pretty difficult chance diving forward, on 35. If I had taken that they would’ve been pretty close to 100 all out.

“Raja Nawaz (1-18) bowled amazing again, his first six overs were all maidens. We got off to a great bowling start and followed it with another convincing batting performance” The Slough skipper added: “Shahid and I are both experienced players. We took any opportunity to score to see us over the line.” Slough bring the curtain down on a successful season at home to Harpenden this Saturday (11am start), where Daniyal Akhtar, 17, could be thrust into the spotlight.

“It’s good to be playing our last game at home,” said Sher, “Harpenden beat Henley last week and will be looking to get a win and push into third.

“We gave Daniyal a debut against Potters Bar and his figures of 2-31 were very good for this standard of cricket.

“He has been playing in the 2nds and has done very well for Berkshire Under-17’s and their Academy.” **PICK up a copy of the Observer, out now, for all the latest sports news and action** **FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter @Observer_sports**