Cricket: Captain Carl Clarke feels Warminster are capable of mounting a title challenge thanks to the quality of players they have been able to recruit over the summer.

The side finished sixth in Premier Division Two last season but have bolstered their ranks “For the first time in a while the club has strength in depth,” he said.

“In the past we have generally been more of a batting team but we have a strong bowling line-up as well. We bat all the way down to eight or nine and also have six or seven people who can bowl.

“I think this year we can talk about reaching the top four. Last season we lost some games which we should have won but based on the extra strength, hopefully we can improve this time and maybe even be in with a chance of promotion.” Batsman Scott Dupey will add steel to the middle order having joined after setting up a new business in the area.

South African Gaz Slade has been talked into playing regularly after getting engaged to the chairman’s daughter and impressed everyone with a valiant 62 against a strong Corsham side in a friendly on Sunday.

Army cricketer Vincent De Souza, whose work has made him a peripheral figure in the past, has recently been posted in Chippenham and Clarke is confident he will be able to play on most weekends.

l IN the Glos/Wilts Division, Biddestone begin their campaign at Lydney on Saturday while Westbury & District entertain Lechlade.