GUYANA all-rounder Assad Fudadin has been snapped up by Trowbridge as the club prepare for an assault on the West of England League Premier Two after a six-year absence.

Fudadin, who was vice-captain of the West Indies team that reached the final of the 2004 under 19s World Cup, replaces popular South African Darryl Brown as the club's overseas player for 2006.

Trowbridge skipper Richard Holbrook said he was delighted to welcome the 20-year-old, who bats left-handed and bowls medium-fast, to the County Ground. Holbrook said: "It would have been nice to have had Darryl back again because he did so well for us last year, but sometimes things just don't work out.

"I've heard that Assad bats just behind Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan in the Guyana line-up, so he must be pretty handy. "We'll have to stock Red Stripe lager at the clubhouse this year to make him feel welcome."

Trowbridge put together an incredible sequence of nine consecutive wins to pip Goatacre to the Gloucester and Wilts Division One title last year. Holbrook is keen to hit the ground running when Trowbridge travel to Ilminster for the opening game of the Premier Two season on May 6.

He said: "Our number one priority is to avoid relegation, but I think we could also surprise a few people this year. "We bat from one down to 11 and we have about eight bowlers, which should make my life as captain that little bit easier. "It was a great achievement to finish last year with nine straight wins. I was overjoyed for everybody involved with the club.

"It's been six years since we played at Premier Two level and we know it's going to be a big step up, but I'm confident we can do well."

Seamer Alex Muse makes a welcome return to the County Ground this summer after five years at Devizes, while Adam Hodder, a 19-year-old leg spinner from Kent, has also agreed to join the club.

"Alex should strengthen our bowling attack and we have high hopes for Adam, who is also very useful with the bat," said Holbrook.

With more than 100 junior members already subscribed, Holbrook is hoping to unearth some new talent to join teenagers Peter Hickerton and Luke Morris in the first team.

Hickerton, 19, scored his maiden century against Redmarley last season and took several five wicket hauls to earn a call-up for Warwickshire seconds. Morris, 18, scored 233 runs at an average of 21.18 and will be hoping to build on his obvious potential.

Said Holbrook: "We have worked extremely hard in the nets over the winter and we really want to make this year another successful one for the club. "I'm really looking forward to it."