MARSHFIELD captain James Williams is hoping that his side will finally get their hands on the WEPL Wiltshire title this season.

After finishing runners-up for the past three years, the Broadleys side get their campaign underway with a visit from a Philip DeFraitas-led Swindon on Saturday.

“When we saw the fixtures, we were delighted with that one!” joked Williams. “They have been making some interesting signings over the winter to say the least.

“For the past three seasons we have finished runners-up – last year was particularly hard because we had led for two-thirds of the season.

“This is a competitive league and you’d expect the likes of Trowbridge, Warminster and Swindon to be right up there, while you know that Marlborough and Purton are going to be strong too.

“The aim is to try and be in that top three or four, but if you can build up some momentum it will always help.”

Marshfield have drafted in Australian all-rounder Suffan Hassan for the new season with the 23-year-old playing grade cricket in Sydney.

Royal Wootton Bassett will be hoping to get off to good start as they make their return to WEPL cricket.

After coming soon close to winning promotion in 2015, Darren Beasant’s side made no mistake last year as they were crowned Wiltshire League champions.

But they face a tough test of their credentials at the weekend as they make the trip to Warminster for their opening match.

Devizes will be looking for a better year after finishing second from bottom last term. Tom Grant’s side get their campaign under way at Great Bedwyn, who finished the 2016 season just one place and nine points above their visitors.

Calne and Marlborough will go head-to-head at Savernake Forest with both finishing in mid-table last season.