PROMOTED cricketers from Astwood Bank have no intention of resting on their laurels as they prepare for life in Birmingham League Division Two this season.

The Bank will be playing at the highest level in their history after winning promotion from Division Three last term but skipper Steve Adshead believes there is more to come.

He said: "These are exciting times at Astwood Bank and everyone is looking forward to a new challenge.

"The current side has developed from within the club and remains pretty much the same as the one which won the Worcestershire League.

"I'm reasonably confident we will be up there competing and of course there's the extra incentive with the proposed changes to the Birmingham League coming in at the end of the season.

"We're in a division where promotion is everything this season and I can see some clubs falling away quite quickly.

"That could work well in our advantage as we have a close-knit and committed group of players who will fight to the end."

Former Stratford top order batsman Rob West has arrived at the Bank this season while spin-king Dan Thomas has returned to the ranks following a couple of years absence.

Adshead added: "We're not a closed shop and we do welcome new players but it does seem to be the case that most of the side live local to the club.

"Rob West has already played in Division Two with Stratford and is someone who needs to start fulfilling his full potential."

Winter nets are currently in full swing with sessions taking place at Prince Henry School in Evesham under the watchful eye of former Warwickshire skipper Neil Smith.

Their first official fixture will be a friendly at Birmingham League Division One side Leamington on April 14.

The Bank are bidding to run five Saturday sides this season and anyone interested in joining them should contact Steve Adshead in the first instance on 07823 441435.