NEWLY-promoted Worcester embark on their first Birmingham League campaign for nine years on Saturday when they visit Stratford in Division Three (12pm).

The Gordon Jones Memorial Ground side, who were relegated from the competition in 2006, secured their return by being crowned Worcestershire League champions last season.

Now they are looking to build on that success by establishing themselves at the higher level over the next five months.

Chairman Pete Breakwell said: “The important thing for us is to keep the nucleus of players together who got us promoted. Our ambition is to finish in the top half.”

Skipper Liam Weston added: “Everyone is buzzing to get started. It should be a good test for us as a club.”

Worcester have recruited all-rounders Joe Blight from Rushwick and Owen Morris from Cheltenham, while Matt Foster returns to the club.

Elsewhere, Division One champions Ombersley start a maiden Premier Division campaign at home to Berkswell.

Captain Arti Fiaz said: “It’s the first time we have been in this league so it’s an unknown quantity. We are hoping we will be competitive.”

Old Elizabethans, under the guidance of captain Jamie Boyle, host Eastnor in their opening Division Two match as they seek to improve on last year’s fifth-placed finish.

They have will once again have South African wicketkeeper-batsman Johann Smit as their overseas player.