AFTER a highly successful first season the Backup Worcestershire Sunday Club Cricket League is set to be further strengthened next season by the inclusion of other leading clubs in the county.

At their recent annual general meeting, the league accepted applications for membership from Worcester, Barnards Green and Malvern Ramblers.

These clubs will all field sides in both the first and second XI competitions and in addition, Swindon have been invited to join the second XI division.

Both Ombersley and Bretforton, who fielded only second XIs last season, have also entered the first team competition, with both divisions now boasting 15 teams.

At the league dinner, trophies were presented to Pershore who won the first XI competition and to second XI champions Bretforton.

The 2001 season will start on June 3 and end on September 9.