WORCESTER Nomads have sounded a warning to the rest of the Crusader Worcestershire League by declaring their name is on the trophy this season.

Nomads missed out on the Division One title and a place in the Birmingham League by the narrowest of margins to Brockhampton last year.

After both sides finished level on 305 points, 34 clear of their nearest challengers, Brockhampton took the honours by virtue of their second team finishing higher in their competition.

To make matters worse, Nomads missed out on the points to become outright champions by one run after being dismissed for 212 chasing Astwood Bank's 213-4 on the final day.

That experience has made them even more determined to go one better this season when they open up against Oldswinford on Saturday (1.30pm).

Nomads have added all-rounder and former Droitwich skipper Damon Gariff to their ranks as well as signing opening batsman James Watkins from Bromsgrove.

Captain Dannie Rees declared: "This is the season we will get promoted to the Birmingham League, touch wood.

"Last year was the team's first season in Division One and it was my first as captain.

"This year, we are even stronger and I am fairly confident we can do very well."

Gariff's place at Droitwich has been taken by Andy Fletcher, who has stepped up from his position as second XI captain to lead the firsts.

Fletcher is aiming to blood a few of the club's youngsters alongside new additions Phil Hamilton, a former Bromsgrove batsman, and ex-St George's hitter Neil Wright.

The Spa skipper, whose side host Stourbridge at the weekend, said: "We will take one game at a time and see where it brings us.

"We have the ability to do well, there's no doubt about that, because we have only lost one player from last year.

"I think in previous years we have perhaps given the opposition too much respect and I think, with the right attitude, we could surprise ourselves and do quite well."

Barnards Green visit Astwood Bank as they aim to build on last year's promotion from Division Two.

Chris Smedley's side were relegated from the top flight in 2006 but returned at the first attempt and are now aiming to establish themselves in the division.

They have moved to bolster their attack with Australian Matt Schimell and Mitchell Fowles.

Captain Smedley said: "Our main aim is just to make sure we are in Division One next year.

"I think we are far better equipped this time than we were last time. We just want to be competitve and set a base to build on for next year."

Worcester and Bromyard go head-to-head at Flaggoners Green looking to improve on mid-table finishes last year.

South African bowler Matthew Smythe has arrived to lead Worcester's attack and captain Dan Keyte has high hopes for the campaign ahead.

He said: "We would like to be at the top of the table and I am confident we can do well." Bromyard welcome South African all-rounder Barry Rhodes with wicketkeeper Richard Brookes and captain Zahid Saeed returning from injury.

Saeed, who missed most of last season with an elbow problem, said: "Bromyard are looking better this season than they have before. I would aim for a top-three finish."

Pershore start their campaign at home to Netherton and chairman Roger Wilks says the club is building for the future.

"Our emphasis is very much on youth this season," he said. "We would hope to finish in the top half of the table.

"I would not think we are going to be challenging for promotion because it's a young side. It's a consolidation year."