MALMESBURY Cricket Club are looking forward to the fast-approaching new season with fresh confidence.

Three or four extra players will be regularly available for the club this year two of whom have played in the Shropshire League and one from the Bristol League

First XI captain Richard Mosdell said: "Their fitness and attitude will give that extra bite the club needs to fulfil our goal of climbing back into the higher levels of the West of England Premier League.

"Our overseas player BK Majumder is due to return before the end of April and his penetrative bowling is proved by his appearance right at the top of the bowling averages for two seasons."

Mosdell, who is leading the firsts for the fourth year, said the club hopes to welcome back one player who has played in the Stroud area for two seasons but ideally could do with some further reinforcement in the middle order batting line up.

Mosdell will be supported by new vice captain James Pearce-Smith and the experienced Richard Gaunt and Jeremy Newman.

He added: "George Applegate takes on the captaincy of the seconds again. His team should profit from the growing number of developing cricketers who have come through from the third eleven which Mike Whateley again leads."

The Sunday team once again come under the leadership of Jonathan Ritchie, supported by vice captain Chris Rossi who had played for Lancashire's second XI.

The club are not only looking for new players but also help with scoring, umpiring, helping maintain the square and even helping in the clubhouse.

Anyone interested in getting involved with Malmesbury Cricket Club can contact Richard Mosdell on (07764) 281283 or club chairman John Williams on (01249) 890502 or by e-mailing johnwilyms@easynet.co.uk