KEVIN Sharp has faith in Worcestershire’s maturing group of players as they strive to consolidate a long term spot in Division One of the Specsavers County Championship.

New head coach Sharp is upbeat about the challenges that lie ahead after skipper Joe Leach’s side won the Division Two title in impressive fashion with nine wins in 14 games.

Now they are striving to stop yo-yoing between the two divisions after five promotions and four relegations in the last 12 years.

Sharp said: “We have got back in the top division, the lads are so up for that, and we want to consolidate.

“The key would be to stay in that division – and stay there for a long time. That is what we want to do.

“I know Worcestershire have done really well and at times the club has really punched above its weight.

“It has fluctuated a bit between the two divisions but a lot of clubs don’t do that. They stay in the second division.

“These lads here are maturing as a group. They have been together a long time, a lot of them, and they are ready.

“I honestly think we will be able to achieve that (consolidate). I really do.

“Then we continue to strengthen, the group gets stronger and who knows what the future holds?”