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LOOSENER: Andrew Van Vuuren aims to hit the spot for Droitwich Spa in Saturday's friendly. Ref: NT05606

DROITWICH Spa are hoping their policy of promoting from within will pay dividends as they begin their assault on Crusader Worcestershire County League Division One.

Spa host Stourbridge in Saturday's season opener, their first game under the stewardship of new captain Andy Fletcher.

Fletcher, who replaces Damon Gariff, steps into the role having led the club's second team to the Division One Second XI title last season.

With Gariff leaving to join rivals Worcester Nomads and New Zealand all-rounder Jono Boult also departing, Spa face a tough task if they are to improve on last year's fourth place.

However, two new faces have arrived in a bid to bolster the top order.

Wicketkeeper-batsmen Phil Hamilton has joined from Bromsgrove, while Spa have also secured the services of Neil Wright, who has Birmingham League experience with St Georges.

Despite losing key stars Gariff and Boult, Fletcher believes his team will be stronger than last season.

But he stressed the club must put an end to their recent underachievement.

He said: "I think if we get the right attitude from the players then we might surprise a few people.

"Although we have always been there or thereabouts in the past, we have underachieved.

"Like other clubs it is down to whether we can get the availability.

"I am not saying we can win the league but I would say we are stronger than last year.

"But we are going to need more of an all round effort from the team."

Spa have opted not to bring in an overseas player for the new campaign.

Fletcher added: "We wanted to bring the club back in as a family club and a community club, so we decided not to go with an overseas professional this year."

Droitwich were comprehensively beaten by Wombourne in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The visitors batted first and made 199-2 from their 40 overs, with Spa's only breakthrough's coming from Andrew Van Vuuren and Martyn Davies.

But Droitwich collapsed in their reply and with two overs and five balls left they were bowled out for 173.

Opener Jerome Connor hit 57, while Neil Wright hit 52.

l Paul Athey is staying faithful to his tried and trusted as Avoncroft prepare to kick-off their Division Two campaign at Bewdley.

Despite narrowly missing out on the second automatic promotion spot in a thrilling climax to Division Three last season, Croft were promoted through the back door to fill a vacancy left in the second division.

Last time they reached this level by achieving promotion in 2005, they suffered relegation the following season.

Croft have stuck with their old guard as they aim to make a better fist of the division this time around, with all-rounder Will Sach and opening batsman John Lucas being the only additions to the squad.

Both players have been promoted from the club's youth set-up.

Skipper Athey has warned his troops they must take their chances if they are to consolidate their league status.

He said: "Last time we were in this division we didn't take our chances.

"You won't get many second chances in this league.

"We haven't looked too hard to get new players.

"We are hoping the young players will push us forward."

Like Droitwich Spa, Avoncroft have chosen not to recruit an overseas player.

Avoncroft were dismissed for a disappointing 122 in their friendly defeat to Lye on Saturday.

The visitors made 191-7 from their 40 overs, with Will Sach (2-19) being the pick of the Croft bowlers.

In reply, Jon Bird ground out a hard-fought 24, while Mark Whitehead (40) forged a last wicket partnership of 45 with John Raxster (7no) before being dismissed as the run chase slipped away from Croft.

9:04am Wednesday 23rd April 2008

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