IT'S that time of year again. Long sunny afternoons, a picnic on the grass and fierce competition. Yes, the cricket season is once more upon us and you can follow the progress of our local clubs all summer in the Advertiser/Messenger.

This season six teams will all be challenging for the honours in their separate leagues.

Barnt Green, once again skippered by Lyndon Jones, will be looking to couple a repeat of last year's National Knockout final success with a title push in the Birmingham and District Premier.

Nick Husbands' Bromsgrove, struggling at the wrong end of Birmingham and District Division One for much of last season, will expect to improve last term's mid-table finish and challenge for promotion.

They have introduced three Worcestershire players to the fold in the form of David Leatherdale, Gareth Batty and Jon Farrow.

Droitwich Spa has a new captain for the new season. Steve Walsh replaces Ian Duggan at the helm as Spa prepare to mount their title challenge in Worcester County League Division One.

The St Peter's Field side endured a mediocre season last time around, finishing just four places above the relegation zone and they will want to do better this time.

Avoncroft, under the guidance of Paul Athey, narrowly missed out on promotion from Worcester County League division four. Their third place was the highest ever achieved by the club and almost became promotion to make up the numbers before Hereford-based side Bulmers withdrew their application.

Battling with them in division four is Himbleton, newly relegated from division three after scoring just 79 points in their last campaign. Dean Oliver's side will want to make up for that with an immediate return.

It's business as usual for Cutnall Green in division five. Expect Neil Fletcher to be in irresistible form once again - a 202 not out just one his century highlights last year. But with no second team, Matthew Harris' side will remain in that league come what may.