OLD Elizabethans are expecting to challenge for honours in Birmingham League Division Two this year after underachieving last season, according to chairman Tim Philips.

The Worcester-based club ended fifth in 2006 despite beating all of the sides who finished above them.

Having strengthened their squad over the winter, OEs are now looking to claim a place in Division One for 2008.

Philips said: "It was disappointing to finish fifth last year having beaten all of the sides who finished above us during the season - we underachieved."

Sean Cairney will once again skipper the side, while James Brinkley and Stuart Lockwood, who has joined the club from Worcester, will share the new ball responsibilities.

Australian all-rounder Sam McNally, who averaged 40 last year, has signed on for another season as the overseas professional, while left-arm spinner Ollie Griffiths has switched Kidderminster Victoria's Chester Road for the Memorial Ground.

OEs have also tapped into the University of Worcester's pool of talent to sign batsmen Andy Hemming and Sam Schofield.

Having managed to retain their Birmingham League status last term, Ombersley are targeting promotion to Division Two this campaign.

The village side have brought in former Worcestershire player Matt Rawnsley and have also signed Aussie all-rounder Simon Mason - the brother of County star Matt Mason - as their overseas player.

Joph Young will lead the side again and prolific all-rounder Duncan Catterall is once again on board.

Secretary Kevin Davies said: "We are very optimistic about the season ahead. We have strengthened the squad over the winter.

"We just about survived in the league last year, but we are hopeful of challenging for promotion this season."

Former Barnt Green opening batsman Steve Williams has moved to Evesham for this season to skipper a new-look side.

All-rounder Alan White has followed Williams from Barnt Green, while opening bowler Tom Dales has signed on after playing for Stratford.

Chairman of cricket Geoff Mullett said: "We are an ambitious and progressive club, but will be looking to consolidate our position in Division Two this season.

"Neal Radford has finished playing for us now, so the other guys will have to step up and make sure they replace him."

Elsewhere, Jonathan Wright will skipper Kidderminster Victoria and the men from Chester Road will be looking to improve on their third-from-bottom finish in the Premier Division in 2006.

Bromsgrove will be aiming to secure their Division One status after also finishing third-from-bottom last season.

Fixtures; Premier Division First XI: Kidder-minster Victoria v Moseley.

Division One: Leamington Spa v Bromsgrove.

Division Two: Dorridge v Evesham; Old Elizabethans v Aston Unity.

Division Three: Old Wulfs Tettehall v Ombersley.

Premier Division Second XI: Moseley v Kidderminster Victoria.

Division Two: Aston Unity v Old Eilzabethans; Bromsgrove v Pelsall; Evesham v Whitchurch.

Division Three: Ombersley v Old Wulfs Tettenhall.