Swindon begin their 2004 league campaign this weekend with a visit to Hinton Charterhouse.

They will be desperate to bounce straight back up to Glos/Wilts One at the first attempt and skipper John Baden, no doubt encouraged by the good early season form displayed by his side, will be expecting to start on a winning note.

Australian import Darren Rourke has begun the season in scintillating form and will be looking to carry on from his unbeaten 179 last Sunday.

He heads a long batting line-up which includes skipper Baden, Will Nichols, Matt Baker, Darren Beasant, Liam Tucker and Andy Staff. Arran Dickinson has also been included after a fine half century last Sunday.

Nichols and Roger Willoughby will share the new ball, supported by Rourke, while off-spinner Zohaib and left-arm spinner Paul Stoddard will provide the variety.

The 2nds, led by Blaine Norridge, start the defence of their title by entertaining Hinton in the reverse fixture. Norridge leads possibly the strongest side he has had at his disposal for a number of years and will be confident of victory.

Paul Baden, Gareth James, Anthony Spencer and Andy Reed will all be expected to make big contributions with the bat, while the new ball pair of Sohail and Tristan Hawkes will be pressing for 1st team places. Rejuvenated skipper Norridge will provide some seam back-up while James Parkinson provides the variety with his leg-breaks.

Kevin Thompson's 4ths host All Cannings 2nd and are bolstered by the inclusion of a number of the 3rds, who are without a fixture. Wayne Steptoe, Richard Mason and Adrian Brabazon provide some experience in an otherwise young side.

On Sunday Swindon 1st play host to Lansdown CC in the West of England trophy. Captain Paul Stoddard retains the majority of the side that defeated Falkland last week and will be hoping for a big total to defend, courtesy of a long experienced batting line-up.

1st v Hinton Charterhouse away (meet club 11.45am): J Baden, D Beasant, A Dickinson, M Baker, D Rourke, W Nichols, P Stoddard, A Staff, L Tucker, M Zohaib, R Willoughby, scorer Mrs M Stoddard, umpire appointed.

2nd v Hinton Charterhouse home (meet club 1pm): B Norridge, A Reed, G James, A Spencer, M Sohail, A Pocock, P Baden, J Parkinson, T Hawkes, M Williamson, N Williamson, scorer I Titcombe, umpire M Bannister.

4th v All Cannings 2nd home (meet club 1pm): K Thompson, A Brabazon, S Cole, P Colwall, Jamie Baden, W Steptoe, R Mason, S Rooprai, M Thomas, D O'Neill, N Iles, scorer TBC, umpire TBC.

Sunday 1st v Lansdown home (meet club 1pm): P Stoddard, D Beasant, P Baden, J Baden, D Rourke, A Spencer, M Zohaib, A Dickinson, D O'Neill, L Tucker, J Parkinson, scorer Mrs M Stoddard, umpire TBC.