FAIRFORD are likely to add a Caribbean flavour to Division One of the Gloucestershire County League this summer.

The club have been trying out a quick bowler, who works at the local air base, as they push for promotion from the top flight.

Their league campaign certainly starts off with a bang a local derby with promoted Cirencester getting them under way on May 7.

And, under the guidance of skipper Mark Leadbetter, there is plenty of optimism at The Park.

In addition to consistent scorer Leadbetter, the prolific middle-order pair of Mark Greener and Adrian Newport remain and the flamboyant Derek Townsend and veteran Clive Gray make up a strong top order.

The league's most frugal seamer Ed Bird spearheads the attack, looking to maintain his enviable economy rate and return to the top of the wicket-taker standings.

Fellow seamer Adrian Newport, and Graham Clarke will share the change bowling and more will be expected from slow bowler Richard Moreing's abrasive style and working partnership with keeper Gray.

Leadbetter added: "In the field is a concern and needs to be addressed if a promotion place is to be achieved.''

1st XI FIXTURES

(Home matches in caps)

May 7: Cirencester; May 14: TEWKESBURY; May 21: APPERLEY; May 28: Frampton; June 4: STONE; June 11: Kingsholm; June 18: CHELTENHAM CS; June 25: Birdlip; July 2: RUARDEAN HILL; July 9: CIRENCESTER; July 16: Tewkesbury; July 23: Apperley; July 30: FRAMPTON; August 6: Stone; August 13: KINGSHOLM; August 20: Cheltenham CS; August 27: BIRDLIP; September 3: Ruardean Hill