MARLBOROUGH hope overseas ace Simon Williams can push them towards Glos/Wilts Two honours this term.

Aussie Williams, from the Penrith club in Sydney is a quality batsman who also bowls off spin.

And new skipper Richard Turnell is hoping he can be the catalyst for a promotion push.

Wiltshire player Turnell, a product of the club's junior coaching system, is having his first stab at leadership, but can pick from a squad free of winter departures.

Peter Day, Tom Norris, Navid Ahmad, Ajay Kumar, Hendy Alleyne and Fran Whiting will be relied upon to get runs.

Youngster Tom Wallbridge will chase wickets and runs, along with George Fox and Ben Head.

Chairman Simon Wells feels they are equipped to move to the next level.

He said: "Last season ended as a disappointment as both our teams were so close to promotion. I think 2005 could be our season.''

The second string meanwhile, are hoping to bury their disappointment of a promotion near-miss.

1st XI FIXTURES

(Home matches in caps)

May 7: Gloucester City Winget; May 14: WOODMANCOTE; May 21: Malmesbury; May 28: HINTON CHARTERHOUSE; June 4: Cinderford St John; June 11: ROCKHAMPTON; June 18: Biddestone; June 25: Marshfield; July 2: DUMBLETON; July 9: GLOUCESTER CITY WINGET; July 16: Woodmancote; July 23: MALMESBURY; July 30: Hinton Charterhouse; August 6: CINDERFORD ST JOHN; August 13: Rockhampton; August 20: BIDDESTONE; August 27: MARSHFIELD; September 3: Dumbleton.