REDDITCH start their Birmingham Premier League campaign this weekend with a trip to Worcestershire neighbours Evesham in Division Three.

And skipper Dan Protherough is pinning his hopes on the youngsters who promised so much last season.

"We have a good balance of age and experience and we have high hopes for a couple of the youngsters who came through last time," the Bromsgrove Road captain explained.

Australian Simon Allison adds the overseas interest for the side and he warmed up for the new season by top scoring as Redditch romped to an eight-wicket victory over Aston Unity in their final warm-up game.

Allison, who was also with the club last season, has been appointed first team coach and Protherough is keen that his side gets off to a good start.

"We had some internal problems at the start of last season and that caused problems on the field," the skipper added.

"But we finished strongly and the second half of the season saw us produce promotion-winning form."