BROMSGROVE begin their Birmingham League Division One campaign with a tricky trip to Old Hill on Saturday (12pm).

The hosts command a huge following at their Haden Hill ground and just missed out on promotion last season.

But Bromsgrove enter the fray brimming with confidence following an impressive performance in a pre-season friendly with Barnt Green last weekend when they posted a huge total of 349.

Bromsgrove have been boosted by the arrival of Worcestershire Academy keeper/batsman Ben Tegg, who cracked 138.

Tegg replaces Tom Hill behind the stumps, who has hung up his gloves.

Other contributions with the bat against Barnt Green came from Jayden Levitt (82), Tom Hill (57) and Ash Newfield (41).

Bromsgrove have brought back Indian off-spinner and middle-order bat Yogesh Malhota, who was at Smethwick, while one-time Worcestershire prospect Graham Whiles has agreed to stay despite being released by the Pears last season.

Pace ace Whiles has recovered from knee surgery and will open the bowling attack with Worcestershire youth product Alex Williamson.

Another Worcestershire player Alexie Kervezee will also be available to Bromsgrove having already hit the ground running by scoring a century for the county Second XI Skipper Mark Evenson said: “We have a really exciting side this season and we’ll be looking to make a flying start as we do well in the 50-over format.

“We won nine times in this format last season and only lost one.”

Bromsgrove have lost two players with, Tom Underhill rejoining Astwood Bank and James Ganderton go to Worcester League side Martley owing to work commitments.

Evenson added: “They both go with our blessing and we wish them well.”