2003 CRICKET PREVIEW (Devizes/Swindon/Goatacre/Wootton Bassett): SKIPPER Mark Colyer believes Devizes can achieve a top three finish this season after escaping the drop by the skin of their teeth last year.

They triumphed at Malmesbury on the final day of the season to move out of the bottom two.

Long-serving Colyer handed the captaincy to Andy Hodder last season, but takes over the reins again this summer. He said: "We struggled and I think it was down to a lot of youngsters coming into the team when they were probably not ready.

"But we are looking to finish in the top three this year, We have nothing to fear if last season is anything to go by. Dumbleton, who came down from Premier Two, should be pretty strong in our league, but we have won our two Saturday pre-season games and are looking forward to it."

Devizes have recruited experienced former Army and Surrey League medium-pace bowler Mark Banham, and Colyer believes youngsters James Ashford-Brown, 19, and Alex Muse could have a real impact after both spent the winter playing club cricket in Australia.

He said: "From what we have seen so far, both have matured as players for their time over there.

"James was a very quick bowler but erratic, but I would say he will play for Wiltshire this year because he is that good. Alex has improved as a club player and has improved his leg-spin bowling."

Devizes begin their campaign with a home game against Winget on Saturday and face Trowbridge at London Road the following week.

Newly-promoted Goatacre are aiming to crown their 75th anniversary with more National Village Knockout glory and Division One survival.

They are back in Division One after an absence of just a year, bouncing back from the disappointment of relegation in 2001 by clinching the runners-up berth behind Trowbridge last term.

Peter Turner took over the captaincy from long-serving Goatacre stalwart Kevin Iles last summer and is confident his side will adjust to the higher standard this year.

He said: "There isn't an awful lot of difference between Divisions One and Two of the Gloucester and Wiltshire League and most of the sides are much of a muchness.

"We have largely the same side as we did last year and are quite a young side, but we want to stay in that league."

Rob Turner and Scott Curwood have qualified as level two coaches during the winter months.

All-rounder Jonathan Wilkins, 18, will miss the start of the season as he is travelling, but 16-year-old brother Edward could come into contention.

Young batsman Steven Gee will be looking to continue his fine form from last season, while Goatacre will also benefit from the considerable experience of Iles, the hero of the club's two Lord's victories in 1988 and 1990.

Goatacre face Hatherley and Reddings away on Saturday, and also begin their National Village Knockout campaign at the weekend. They entertain Baden on Sunday.

After a season of consolidation in 2002 under the leadership of Will Nichols, there is fresh hope that Swindon can challenge for promotion back to the West of England Premier League this summer.

The club dropped out of Premier Two in 2001, and finished seventh last season. Swindon are bolstered by a number of new batsmen, an area which has been an Achilles heel of the club in recent years.

Leading the new recruits is 22-year-old Brett Sydney-Smith. A right-handed wicketkeeper and batsman, Sydney-Smith hails from Perth in Western Australia.

Sydney-Smith, who plays for Joondalop, formerly North Perth, back in Australia is looking forward to playing cricket on these shores. He said: "It's a new challenge for me, but it is a chance to experience some different conditions and pitches over here."

Andy Staff and Neil Patel have also been added to the batting line-up ahead of Saturday's first game, while young South African left-arm seamer Craig Hinkel looks a useful prospect. There is also a return for left arm spinner Paul Stoddard after a two year absence.

Wootton Bassett skipper Steve Twine has targeted promotion to the West of England Premier League after they finished fourth in 2002.

Bassett also finished above rivals Swindon and Twine is looking for his side to continue their progress. He said: "The top two go up and if we could get promoted it would be great. This club is definitely on the up.

"To finish higher than Swindon last year was no mean feat. They will pushing this year, along with Dumbleton, Hatherley and Reddings and Devizes, but we have proved we have a side capable of promotion ."

Opening bowler Ian Lancaster has joined from Purton, while Wiltshire wicketkeeper Luke Leach has moved from Chippenham.

They will also be bolstered by the arrival of South African all-rounder Barry Thurtell. He will turn out for the seconds on Saturday while the first team begin their league campaign at Colwall.

Said Twine: "Barry will help coach the youngsters as well. We don't ever go for a top-class overseas cricketer because we rely on local lads and don't want to become a one-man team."