Leominster Cricket Club will be aiming to put together a serious challenge for this season's Flint & Cook Marches League Division 1 crown.

The Herefordshire outfit are vying for success after finishing a creditable fifth position last term on their return to the top flight of the Marches League.

All-rounder Russell Palmer will skipper the first team with assistance from vice-captain Dave Barrington, while Stuart Trumper will captain the second team, who suffered relegation to Division 4 at the end of last season.

Chairman Steve Powis said: "We are looking forward to the 2003 season with two main goals. We hope that the first team will build on their performance during 2002 and challenge for the title, while we want to raise the profile of cricket in the town by, again, offering player development at our pre-season nets.

"Last season, we introduced three players under the age of 17 to the nets and they became valuable squad members vying for selection to the first team."

The club believe that they will benefit from the outdoor practice facility at their Bridge Street Sports Centre headquarters.

Officers elected at the club's annual meeting: chairman, Steve Powis; vice-chairman, Richard Finney; secretary, Calvin Allwright; 1st captain, Russell Palmer; 1st vice- captain, Dave Barrington; 2nd captain, Stuart Trumper; 2nd vice-captain, Matt Sparey.

For more information on Leominster Cricket Club, contact Steve Powis on 01568 611325.