SANDBACH are aiming to bounce back to the Meller Braggins League at the first attempt.

The club suffered a surprise relegation from Division Three last season but are hoping the impending move to a new home at Hindheath Road will prove the catalyst for better results.

Secretary John Fox said: 'We haven't really had any newcomers to the team, but no-one has left. One of the big problems last season was the lack of availability of first-team players on a regular basis. It wasn't the best of situations but that shouldn't be such a problem this season.

'We still have the nucleus of the team that won promotion only a few seasons ago and we're aiming to go straight back up.

'This should be our last season at Welles Street. As far as I'm aware, work on the pavilion at the new ground should start in May, so all things considered, this is an exciting time for the club.'

Sandbach will be captained by Mark Shallcross with Phil Watthey serving as vice-captain.

Aston Cricket Club will again be looking to the runs of Derek Wright and the wickets of Pat Beesley to underpin their attempts to improve on last season's seventh-paced finish.

In Division Two, Audlem, who survived relegation by the finest of margins last season, have a new captaincy duo in Mike Bishton and Chris Shenton after James Siddorns and Steve Swallow stepped down due to work and university commitments.

Siddorns said: 'Mike and Chris are certainly the chaps to push Audlem forward. Both have played at high levels in the past, with Mike representing Welsh Universities and Chris playing at Nantwich a few seasons ago.'

There will also be changes in the second team with last year's captain, Andrew Capper, standing aside following his promotion to the first team on the back of some solid performances at the end of last year. Ian Jones will be his successor.

The club is also hopeful of attracting new youngsters.

Secretary Geraldine Gadsden explained: 'We have applied for a £5,000 grant and we are hopeful that if we are successful, we will be able to offer youngsters from the village facilities such as an artificial pitch to encourage them to join us.'

Bunbury and Wistaston Village will also be hoping to mount a challenge for promotion.