The young Lions squad struggled in Maitland’s first grade competition last season but finished on a high.

They won the final three games of the year, made the Twenty20 final and only went down in a super over. 

After a tough return summer it was enough to keep the Raymond Terrace junior in gold once more and steering the ship from Jack Collins Oval. 

“I couldn’t leave on that,” Savage said. 

“I always thought it was more than a one year project when I can back, but especially with the way we finished.

 “Three wins in a row to finish first grade, making the final of the Twenty20 and only going down in a super over.

 “We had great momentum building there and hopefully we can carry that into this season.” 

Most of the squad remains intact for the Lions, with no losses, according to Savage. 

This includes reigning Maitland district first grade player of the year Brandon Smith, who had contemplated shifting to Stockton with former Lions wicketkeeper Jaymes Thomas. 

Aaron Sherritt and the Smith ­brothers, Broque and Brodie, are also likely to play. 

In addition, for Raymond Terrace will be premiership winning top-order batsman Giles Manley, who returns after a season off. 

Denman-based off-spinner and Central North junior representative Jacob McCormack has also impressed in early training sessions. 

Experienced all-rounder Daniel Flynn arrives from Stockton after stints at several Newcastle clubs. 

“We have picked up a few players which is good and I think we will learn a lot from last season,” Savage said. 

“We will look to build as the season goes and eye off fourth position.” 

The Lions jumped into sixth spot at the end of last season after a final round victory.