LONG-serving Barnt Green skipper Andy Sutton has stepped down after six seasons in charge at Cherry Hill Road.

Increased work commitments with his role at Worcestershire County Cricket Club has brought about an enforced change with Darrell Williams now taking over as skipper.

Sutton still remains as vice-captain and explained: "In addition to my involvement with Worcestershire's academy, I will now be playing a bigger role with the Second XI working alongside Kevin Sharpe and Elliot Wilson.

"I will continue as a player with Barnt Green and will be there to support Darrell whenever he needs me."

There's been a wind of change at the Green with Colin Banton stepping down as cricket chairman.

Former players Simon Froggatt and Darren Cullen will now be sharing the role and the pair have already been considerably proactive by bringing in new players.

They have recruited Australian top order batsman Adam Amin as their overseas player.

The batting is boosted further by the arrival of Dominic Harding from arch rivals Knowle and Dorridge.

But the Green have lost last season's opener Jamie Harrison who has joined Halesowen.

Warwickshire under-19 seamer James Rudge has been recruited from Tamworth together with fellow seam bowler Henry Marshall who was previously with Bromsgrove last season and is a Worcestershire under-19 player.

The Green have also recruited all-rounder Robbie Shurmer from Great and Little Tew.

However the Green are resigned to losing Warwickshire players Josh Poysden, who has signed a three-year deal with Yorkshire while Ryan Sidebottom has returned to reigning champions Berkswell.

But the Green are confident they will retain their home-grown county pair of Matt Lamb and Ed Pollock.

Sutton refused to rule out further signings and added: "The standard will only get higher in the Birmingham League this coming season but we're always prepared to give any promising youngster an opportunity."

Indoor nets are already underway at Prince Henry School in Evesham every Saturday from noon until 2pm.

Anyone who is aspiring to play Birmingham League cricket is welcome to attend.