EASTNOR Cricket Club chairman Jim Sandford is hopeful his side can have a much better campaign this year as they start life back in the Worcestershire League.

The villagers have had a torrid couple of years and sustained successive relegations from the Birmingham & District League.

Tareq Jamil will have the task of leading the side back up after being named first XI captain.

"The ground is doing well and I hope we have a successful season," said Sandford.

"We've recruited some new players but it's always difficult to say how well we think we will do until you've seen all the other teams.

"We were in the Worcestershire League six or seven years ago and, personally, I thought the grounds were better than in the Birmingham League.

"There will also be less travelling this season."

Eastnor kick off with an away trip to Redditch.

Two other Herefordshire sides who are in Division One are Colwall and Burghill, Tillington and Weobley.

Colwall are going through a revamped administrative set-up, led by newly elected chairman Kim Berry.

The 58-year-old, who is back alongside his older brothers Adrian and Jonathan, will be assisted by new vice-chairman Alastair Smith and secretary Katie Cameron.

Colwall also have a new first XI captain, with Ben Wheeler taking over from Nick Panniers.

Wheeler will have the task of leading the club to the title this season having finished runner-up to Worcester Nomads last year.

Tom Coleman, last season's leading scorer and bowler, has left, but Colwall have retained the services of most of last season's squad.

A new overseas player, reputed to be a batsman/off-spinner, is also set to come on board, while brothers Mike and Johnno Gooch will bolster the pace attack.

Colwall, who beat Bromyard by nine runs in a friendly last Saturday, start with a trip to Stourport-on-Severn.

Bromyard start their Division Two campaign at Oldswinford & Stourbridge Social, while Wormelow, who will be led by Tom Cutler this season, start with a home fixture against Harborne.

Bartestree & Lugwardine, captained this season by Marcus Ashcroft, go to Netherton, in Division Three.

Australian Ben Chaplin, who had prominent role on the Bartestree playing side last season, will also be assisting the coaching team.