SWINDON have targetted back-to-back promotions after a glorious end to the 2004 summer.

The County Ground club were crowned as champions of Glos/Wilts Two last September ending their slide down the league pyramid.

And having retained most of their playing staff and skipper John Baden they see no reason not to set their sights high again.

Baden said: "2005 will be an important year as we look to build upon the successes of 2004 and re-establish ourselves as one of the Premier clubs in the West of England.

"We will again be looking to push for honours.

"And a number of changes at the club will see the emphasis of other sides switch to youth development as the club looks to try and build for the future.''

A big factor in Swindon's glory run last summer was the form of Australian import Darren Rourke (pictured).

And the bad news for their opponents is that Rourke has returned to wreak more havoc with both bat and ball.

His run total for last season was 830, including three centuries and five scores of 50 or more, for an average of 64.

Meanwhile, Rourke's useful change bowling yielded an excellent average of 17.1, taking 17 wickets for 290 runs.

Recruitment-wise, Swindon seem to have struck gold again, capturing 2004 Lansdown club captain Tim Barton, who has proved a fine player during the pre-season campaign.

A powerful batting line-up also sees Will Nichols and skipper Baden, while with Barton, new vice-captain Liam Tucker, Darren Beasant, Matt Baker, Anthony Spencer and Paul Baden all competing for places, they look to have a wealth of scoring talent at their disposal.

Nicholls leads the bowling and his and Roger Willoughby's fitness will be key to the challenge.

Off-spinner Mohammed Zohaib and Rourke will also be vital, as Matty Barrett and Neil Williamson are tied up at university for the first half of the season.

At second team level, Blaine Norridge has stepped down as skipper after a number of successful seasons.

The side will continue to be used as a 'academy team' with the purpose of developing future first XI cricketers. Dominic O'Neill, Mark Williamson, Richard Arkley and Arran Dickinson are among those who will be expected to make significant contributions.

Club chairman Nick Parkinson leads the third team Wiltshire League

Division Three, where new acquisition Kudzi Mlambo could prove an ace with the ball.

Phil Laggett takes over the fourth team reigns from Kevin Thompson, while the Sunday first string will again compete in the West of England Cup and the Border League led by Beasant amd will be hoping to improve on last season's semi-final showing and runners-up finish respectively.

James Parkinson leads the Sunday second team in the Border League.

IST XI FIXTURES

(Home matches in caps)

May 7: Redmarley; May 14: HATHERLEY & REDDINGS; May 21: Warminster; May 28: BREDON; June 4: Colwall; June 11: Trowbridge; June 18: Devizes; June 25: Lydney; July 2: GOATACRE; July 9: REDMARLEY; July 16: Hatherley & Reddings; July 23: WARMINSTER; July 30: Bredon; August 6: COLWALL; August 13: Trowbridge; August 20: DEVIZES; August 27: LYDNEY; September 3: Goatacre