HOWARD Crawford is certain the Essex Leopards can still secure success this season, despite their poor start to the season.

The Big Cats have already been eliminated from the National Trophy, a competition they won last year.

But Crawford is confident his side will soon be back on track.

“I honestly think we can turn it around and I don’t think there’s any need to panic,” said the 25-year-old American.

“The regular season hasn’t even started yet so were in a good position.

“I’ve learned in sports that it’s not about how you start but it’s how you finish.

“Most of the time the team that peaks at the right time goes on to do great things during the season.

“And I have confidence that we’re going to be a tough team to stop once we hit our peak.”

Leopards were beaten by Worthing Thunder on Saturday before also being seen off by the Tees Valley Mohawaks just 24 hours later.

Crawford top scored for the Big Cats in both of those games.

But the bad results meant he took little satisfaction from his own displays.

“It was very pleasing for me but we lost so I could not care less about my stats really,” said Crawford.

“I always believe that you win as a team and you lose as a team.

“I have confidence in my ability so I’m going to try and play my part on the team to the best of my ability and try to help us do well.”

And Crawford believes that an ever improving understanding between Leopards’ new players will help make that happen.

“The team is new and we’re still trying to get everything in order,” said Crawford.

“We have to get everyone playing to their full potential and doing their job at their position and we do not have everyone doing that at the moment.”