FOR Wootton Bassett the task is simple this season to return to the Stroud & Swindon West of England leagues they so disappointingly slumped out of last summer.

In fact, 2004 was a season to forget all-round for the Rylands Way club, who saw all three senior teams demoted, but that hasn't stopped the expectancy mounting ahead of their Crusader Wiltshire League campaign.

Bassett will start warm favourites to bounce back at the first time of asking.

Chairman Rod Smith will also skipper the first team, with Jon Millington jnr understudying.

John Millington Snr has taken on the second team captaincy in Wiltshire League Division Five with fast bowler Barry Thurtell as his deputy.

Mike Tyrie takes charge of the thirds, wicketkeeper Rod Bartlett providing the backup, as they nurture the youngsters pushing for senior calls.

Sunday cricket also returns to Rylands Way, with Millington jnr and Steve Twine at the helm, while there is also the prospect of Tuesday evening league this season.

And, after successive relegations, Bassett are making no secret of their desire to emulate Marshfield, who replaced them at the higher level last season.

As club spokesman Stefan Tyrie admitted: ''We hope to have a better and more enjoyable season than the last campaign.

"By the end, we hope to be back where we belong in the big league!''

Meanwhile, the Wiltshire League itself will definitely be celebrating this year as they toast their silver jubilee.

Officials plan a series of events, including matches involving League XIs and a celebration dinner, likely to take place in October.

On-the-field action, the eight divisions get underway on Saturday.

Bassett look sure to be challenged hard by last season's Division One runners-up, Great Bedwyn, with Calne, Westinghouse and Bath Civil Service likely to offer stiff opposition. Promoted Spye Park and Lechlade will seek to consolidate, while Purton, Box, and Collingbourne are also in the fight.

In Division 2, Cooper-Avon Tyres should improve on last year's third place, while relegated Nationwide House will hope to bounce back.

Their strongest challenge could come from newly-promoted Avebury and Blunsdon. Potterne, also relegated, might struggle again along with Sutton Veny and Seagry.

It could be close in Division Three as relegated Burbage and Beanacre look to regain Division Two status.

Wanborough and Wroughton third and fourth last year cannot be discounted either while Lambourn and Moredon Royal Oak may struggle.

Bradford Town, third in Division Four last year, should improve with relegated Heytesbury and Highworth their most likely challengers. Nationwide 2nd, who have gained promotion in each season in the league, cannot be discounted either.

United Churches, plus Bassett's second string are expected to step up in Division Five, with maybe Devizes 3rd offering a challenge.

All Cannings and promoted Trowbridge could lead the way in Division Six while in Division Seven promoted Biddestone 3rd and Corsham 4th are likely to figure..

A 14- team Division Eight is difficult to judge with five new sides, but Devizes and Swindon 4th third and fourth last summer should be near the top with Highworth and United Churches 2nd in close pursuit.

Wootton Bassett Cricket Club requires an umpire for the coming season. Contact Roddy Smith on 01285 770502.

THIS WEEKEND'S FIXTURES

Division One: Bath Civil Service v Box, Calne v Wootton Bassett, Purton v Collingbourne, Great Bedwyn v Spye Park, Westinghouse v Lechlade.

Division Two: Avebury v Blunsdon, Potterne v Swindon Civil Service, Seagry v Cooper-Avon Tyres, Nationwide House v Buscot Park, Urchfont v Sutton Veny.

Division Three: Burbage & ER v Beanacre, Cherhill v Wroughton Wranglers, Swindon 3rd v Lambourn, Corsham 3rd v Wanborough, Wilcot v Moredon Royal Oak.

Division Four: Coates v Keevil, Bathford v Swindon Litten Tree, Bradford Town v Purton 2nd, Highworth v Nationwide House 2nd.

Division Five: Beehive Bradford v Warminster 3rd, Wootton Bassett 2nd v Devizes 3rd, Chippenham 3rd v United Churches, Buscot Park 2nd v Mildenhall, Nettleton v Westinghouse 2nd.

Division Six: Box 2nd v Burbage & ER 2nd, Trowbridge A v Calne 2nd, Cooper-Avon Tyres 2nd v Bradford Tn 2nd, Goatacre 3rd v All Cannings, Lacock v Westbury 3rd.

Division Seven: Beanacre 2nd v Bath Civil Service 2nd, Wootton Bassett 3rd v Cherhill 2nd, Collingbourne 2nd v Chippenham 4th, Dauntsey Gentlemen v Corsham 4th, Biddestone 3rd v Marshfield 3rd.

Division Eight: Blunsdon 2nd v Trowbridge B, United Churches 2nd v Swindon 4th, Bradley v Wilcot 2nd, Devizes 4th v Biddestone 4th, Warminster 4th v Potterne 2nd, Spye Park 2nd v Bathford 2nd, All Cannings 2nd v Highworth 2nd.