MARLBOROUGH are hoping a change at the top will help produce their best-ever season in the restructured West of England Premier League Wiltshire Division.

With a new first-team captain and a coach, the Savernake side are looking forward to the challenge ahead.

Marlborough have appointed Rich Holman as their new coach after Tony Dickinson stepped down last August and Brad Frost returned to New Zealand.

Holman has been the senior coach within the junior section at the club for several years.

With a new man leading them in practice, the club have seen stalwart George Fox take over the captaincy from Arran Dickinson, who stepped in last term after Tom Jacques relocated due to work.

Fox joined the club in 2001 and has taken nearly 300 league wickets and scored more than 1,600 runs.

“I am sure we can record the club’s best season this year,” Fox said. “Our best at this level was finishing eighth in 2007 in the old Glos/Wilts Division.

“I’m fairly confident that with the players I have this season, we can improve on this and secure the best season in the club’s history.”

Marlborough, who begin their season with a trip to Marshfield on Saturday, also see the return Zwelibanzi Homani for a second spell at the club as this season’s overseas player.

South African Homani is a top order batsman who set a league record for the club in 2013 when he scored 641 runs in the season.

He has represented South Africa at under-19 level and has played first-class cricket with Eastern Provence.

Homani, who will also keep wicket this season, says; “I’m very pleased to be back at the club for this season and very much looking forward to this season’s challenge with the bat and gloves.”

All-rounder Mohan Balusu has returned after a season at Lechlade.

Meanwhile, Devizes get their season under way on Saturday with a trip to Trowbridge, while Calne play host to Malmesbury and Great Bedwyn travel to Westbury and District.