BARNARDS Green chairman Andy Lamb is looking forward to the new season in Birmingham and District Premier Cricket League Division One.

The campaign has been delayed due to the wet weather and Green are set to start on Saturday, April 28, at Leamington Spa (noon).

Following a mid-table finish in 2017, the pressure is on the Malvern side to retain their Birmingham League status when the competition is reduced next year with many sides dropping back to county level.

Green will keep Worcestershire aces Josh Tongue and George Rhodes who will play when not required by the County.

South African batsman Adam Wiffen has joined after a successful season with Pershore in Division Two and games with Worcestershire seconds.

The North End Lane outfit will be led by new captain Ryan Tongue whose consistent performances in 2017 earned him the Midlands Club Cricket Conference player of the year award.

Promising Josh Blunt and Mahaaz Ahmed have joined from the University of Worcester and Worcestershire academy respectively.

Lamb said: “The importance of a successful campaign is underlined by the pending reconstruction of cricket in the West Midlands where the Birmingham League will be reduced from its current four-division structure of 48 clubs to a more streamlined version of only 24.

"Evidently our first goal will be to ensure we retain our membership of this league for the 2019 season.

“With this clearly in our thoughts we have sought to add to the squad in an attempt to build on our strengths.

“The mainstays of last year’s squad are all available this season and we hope we will not be affected by the injuries suffered to our bowling attack last season which hampered our promotion efforts.”

The seconds will be captained by Andy Wheeler and coached-managed by Alex Hepburn senior with a view to blending young talent with established cricketers.

Green’s thirds will compete in the Worcestershire League under the guidance of Neil Morris and continue to bring through junior cricketers.

The Sunday XI will play a mixture of league games and friendlies. The junior section continues to flourish and there are full fixture cards throughout the season involving both boys and girls plus a programme of All Stars children’s cricket.