BURBAGE & Easton Royal skipper Tom Wallbridge is hoping that his side will thrive in the Glos/Wilts Division after finally securing promotion to the second tier of the West of England Premier Division.

Burbage had finished as runners-up in the Wiltshire Division twice in a row – finishing an agonising four points behind Lechlade in 2012 – but last term, the villagers finally got over the line after dominating the division and securing top spot.

Wallbridge’s side have never been in the Glos/Wilts before but the Red Lion Field outfit are hoping to continue riding the wave of last summer’s success and more than hold their own at their new level.

They may have lost the big-hitting of former New Zealand test ace Michael Papps but have gained the services of another ex-Kiwi international in all-rounder Luke Woodcock, as well as bringing in former Wiltshire batsman Jon Chandler and ex-Great Bedwyn captain Dan Swatton

“After two seasons of being so close, it was really nice to finally get over the line,” said the Burbage captain.

“We had a really good season last year. The club has never played in the Glos/Wilts before but we feel that we’re not just going to be there to make up the numbers.

“We’ve got a lot of talent in our team and that’s only going to be supplemented by Luke, Dan and Jon, who’s another experienced campaigner.

“There’s a good buzz around the club. We’ve got a new fourth team, which everyone is happy about, and everyone is excited to be playing in a new league.”