JOE Breet believes Westbury have the potential to challenge for honours this summer in their first season back in Gloucester and Wilts Division One.

The Leighton Green skipper is confident his charges can mount a title offensive after lifting the fiercely competitive Bristol and North Somerset crown last year. Breet said: "I'm hoping for another good season. It's no good just looking to stay in the division. You should not be allowed to go up if that's your only aspiration.

"We've got the players to mount a challenge but you also need that bit of luck to win the close games." Breet amassed 1,035 runs in 16 innings last season at an average of 94.09, including a club record score of 211 not out.

He is determined to better his total this time around and has spent the winter months dedicating himself to self-improvement.

"I've been practising hard in the off-season because it will be tough to out-do myself from last year. "The 211 wasn't the best innings I've ever played, but the scoreboard didn't reflect that. I had lots of luck and sometimes you have to take advantage of that," he said.

Westbury are currently locked in talks with a first-class player from the West Indies as they look to secure an overseas star before the season opener against Swindon on May 6. Said Breet: "Everyone wants to get the best player they can but it all depends on how they adapt to their new surroundings.

"It can be difficult if you play in a team when a lot rests on your shoulders. That's why everyone needs to pull together if we want to be successful this year." Breet has been buoyed by news that Wiltshire over 50s star Phil Carroll will play another season for the Leighton Green club.

He said: "We're lucky to have Phil because the younger players can learn so much from him. We surprised one or two clubs last year and I hope we can do it again."