NEW Wootton Bassett skipper Clive Chattell is hoping a rejuvenated batting line-up can inspire his side to bounce back from the disappointment of relegation at the first time of asking.

Bassett slipped out of Glos/Wilts One last summer as the loss of five key batsmen and just two wins in 17 matches finally took its toll.

But having seen the Rylands Way batting ranks bolstered during the winter, Chattell is targeting an immediate return to that level.

"We've got to be challenging for promotion this season,'' he admitted.

"It's the level below where we were last year, so we have to be looking at that.

"At the start of last season, we lost five of our top batsmen and that left us in a difficult position.

"But we have three back in tow this season, which is a boost to us.''

Tony Shama and Jug Chahal have both committed themselves to the new campaign after taking time off last term.

They add options to the batting line-up, especially Chahal, whose only two appearances last season brought him half-centuries on both occasions.

Bassett have also recruited from overseas, with young Australian Michael Walker coming in.

The 22-year-old from New South Wales is a useful batsman and also bowls medium pace.

Bassett also have high hopes for Joe Lukens, who has emerged from the youth ranks to stake his claim for a regular first team slot.

1st v Hatherley & Readings away, meet noon: C Chattell (cpt), M Walker, J Chahal, S Twine, J Lukens, S Clark, L Leech (wk), G Jeffries, I Lancaster, R Smith, S Lorrow.

2nd v Hatherley & Readings, home, meet 1pm: From J Millington Jnr (cpt), D Griffin, H Griffin, J Millington Snr, K Pamphilon, G King, R Bartlett (wk), B Thirtell, L Giles, G Anslow, A Stevens, G Balasuriya.