BARNT Green have boosted their ranks ahead of the coming season by bringing in 17-year-old Stourbridge allrounder Zain Ul-Hassan and Walmley wicketkeeper-batsman George Hargrave.

The Green can also welcome back seam bowler Ben Ladd-Gibbon who is likely to open the bowling attack along with skipper Andy Sutton.

But the Green are resigned to losing their England under-19 player Tom Banton who has signed a two year deal with Somerset having previously progressed through their academy system.

As a result, Banton will be playing his weekend cricket with club side Taunton St Andrews in the South West Premier Division.

However, the Green will still have use of younger brother Jacques Banton, but only for the second half of the season as he will be expected to feature for Taunton School.

Skipper Sutton admitted: "It's a shame because I believe the Birmingham League offers a much stronger standard of cricket, but Tom is a full time cricketer now and we wish him well and hope he'll push Steve Davies for a first team place."

Sutton describes Ul-Hassan as part of a new generation of three dimensional cricketers in the fact he bats, bowls and fields exceptionally well.

The seamer is likely to bat in the top six and operate as a first change bowler.

Hargrave was previously on Warwickshire's academy but pulled out to concentrate on his studies. The 19-year-old will also be pushing for a top six batting berth.

Ladd-Gibbon arrived at Barnt Green last season from Walsall. He was based at Loughborough University and was often called upon to bowl at England's batsmen.

Sutton said: "Ben was bowled into the ground and he fell out of love with cricket.

"He's an experienced seam bowler and is able to open the attack.

"He's finished at university and has now got his buzz back for the game."

The Green will continue to have use of their Warwickshire trio of Josh Poysden, Matt Lamb and Ed Pollock.

But Sutton hasn't ruled out the possibility of more recruits arriving at Cherry Hill.

The Green have commenced senior net sessions at Prince Henry School in Evesham every Saturday morning from 11am until 12-30.

Anyone who feels they are able to play at either First or Second XI level are welcome to turn up and take part.