SKIPPER Tom Norris is looking for Marlborough to improve on last season’s third-place finish.

For much of the 2013 season the Savernake Forest outfit were firmly in title contention before Swindon wrapped up the title ahead of Burbage & Easton Royal.

“We’re looking to improve on last season, but I expect the league to be stronger so it will be difficult,’’ said Norris.

After the success of Bob Homani last season Marlborough have once again looked to South Africa for the club’s overseas player in the form of batsman Dylan Bennie.

“Dylan will be a real asset on and off the field and will be a real club man,’’ added Norris. “I’m not expecting too much just yet because he has to adjust to the conditions.’’

Marlborough have also boosted their squad with the acquisitions of all-rounders Mark Wingfield Digby and Tom Jaques.

Star youngster Fraser Gordon is also expected to make his first-team breakthrough and form a deadly spin partnership with Marlborough star all rounder Ben Head.

Norris said: “I am really looking forward to see Fraser establish himself in the first team this season.’’

Marlborough travel to Great Bedwyn, who are again led by Dan Swatton, for Saturday’s first match of the season.

Burbage meanwhile, will have both Paul Stoddard and New Zealander Michael Papps back in tow as they try to go one better this summer and claim promotion to Glos/Wilts Division level.

They face Calne, again led by Dan Knight. in this weekend’s opener.

Marshfield appointed gary Hodder as their cricket manager over the winter as they aim to improve on their mid-table finish in 2013, starting off at home to Winsley this weekend.

Joe Wookey again leads Devizes, who go to Swindon’s Nationwide House on the opening day.

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