NEWLY-promoted Barnards Green insist they are not in Birmingham League Division Three just to make the numbers up.

The Malvern-based side won the Worcestershire League crown last season and are relishing their chance to make an impact at a higher level.

Adam Binks, vice-captain to skipper Tim Williams, said: “We know it’s going to be a tough division.

“We recognise we are going to have to play slightly more attritional cricket than we did in the Worcestershire League but our attitude is to go out and win every game.

“Survival is not the first thought in our mind, we want to challenge for the league.”

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, who played a major role in Green’s success last season, has been replaced as the overseas player by New Zealander Matthew McEwan. The 20-year-old, whose father Paul has played Test cricket for the Kiwis, will be joined by fellow all-rounders, brothers Adam and Jon Dovey from Malvern.

However, Adam will miss tomorrow’s opener against Studley at North End Lane as he serves a one-match ban sustained for dissent at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, Old Elizabethans have targeted going one better than last year’s third-placed finish and claiming promotion in Division Two.

Under the guidance of 22-year-old skipper Jamie Boyle, who takes over from Simon Macey following his departure from the club, the Memorial Ground side open up at Ombersley.

Former England spinner Richard Illingworth is not available this season due to his umpire commitments, while off-spinner Ollie Griffiths has also left.

Sri Lankan batsman Krishall Magage remains OEs’ overseas player, while Joe Taylor has joined from Pershore, for whom he scored 750 runs last year.

“We are definitely looking for promoiton again this year,” Boyle said. “Although we have lost those players, we have replaced them with the same standard and quality.”

Promoted Evesham are preparing for life in Division One, the highest level they have played at, and will be going into the season with a young team.

South African skipper Matt Snyman is 20 and the Albert Road side, who host Kenilworth Wardens tomorrow, also have Worcestershire academy batsman George Rhodes, son of county director Steve, seamer Tom Underhill and leg spinner Ben Kohler-Cadmore.

Chairman John Barrett said: “It’s an inexperienced side but they have all got the necessary talent and it’s a question of going out on the park and performing.

“When we have everybody available we will perform well but we are realistic and if we can finish in mid-table that would be a success because we haven’t been at this level before.”

Kidderminster Victoria, who finished third in the Premier Division last season after coming close to the title, have retained the majority of their squad, although Australian seamer Jason Voros has left.

They are in talks with South African pace bowler Gershwin Rabie.