Forton keep faith with their history makers

And skipper Matt Sayers is keeping faith with the men that took the side up including Australian batsman Luke Adcock, who scored more than 700 runs last year.

"Getting promoted was probably the biggest achievement we have ever had," said Sayers.

"We put a lot of effort into our youth section over the last 15 years or so to develop players, and they have taken us form Division Three to the Premier.

"None of our players have any Premier experience, but we are looking forward to playing at some new grounds and aim to enjoy it."

Skipper Mark Davies insists Shelton are up for the challenge as they make their return to the Shropshire County Cricket League top flight.

The new-boys head to Quatt on the opening day and Davies said: "Playing in the premier is great for this club and the players, so it's a good feeling being back in it.

"Our aim for the season is to obviously finish as high as we possibly can.

"No doubt it will a tough challenge but the players are all very keen and ready to get stuck in and we just can't wait for this Saturday.

"Work has also started on our new pavilion, so that is also something to look forward to."

Shelton have been bolstered by the arrival of a new overseas player with Australian Chad Hitchcock – a top order batsman who also bowls medium pace – landing in time for this weekend.

Davies said: "Chad comes from a good cricketing background with loads of experience which will help me and the younger players around the club. It's an exciting time for this group and members of the club.

"Chad has played the last six years for Claremont Nedlands in the Perth WACA competition and been skipper of the second grade side for the past two years."

Albrighton came up as Division One champions and skipper Jason Summers is setting his sights on more than survival.

"I'm quite hopeful we can achieve at least a mid-table finish," he said.

Improved

"We had a few fresh faces last year which strengthened us and we were much improved even though we were playing in a lower division.

"I would have been confident of staying up just with the team from last year, but having added a few new faces we think we can do well."

Australian opening batsman Tyson Bray is one of the new arrivals and batsman Mark Bissell is back after a few years away now work commitments allow him to play on a Saturday.

Albrighton have been handed a tough start with an opening-day trip to Wem.

But Summers is hoping it is not a bad time to face last season's runners-up.

"They are sometimes missing a few early and late in the season because of football commitments," he added.

"It could be a good time to play them – but you never know!"