MARK HARDINGES is looking forward to his new challenge with Frocester after a decade in county cricket with Gloucestershire.

All-rounder Hardinges was released at the end of last season, and will combine West of England Premier League cricket at Pounds Close with Minor Counties action with Buckinghamshire.

He is set for his bow at Frocester on Saturday when they take on a Gloucestershire Second XI/Academy side, and will be available for the whole season, a major boost to Frocester's batting and bowling line-up.

"Nick (Frocester skipper Nick Trainor) approached me at the end of last season, and I am really looking forward to playing for the whole season," said Hardinges.

Gloucester-born Hardinges, 31, made four first-class and one limited over century, and took 95 first-class wickets in a county career which lasted a decade.

He made his Buckinghamshire debut on Sunday as Aston Rowant in a friendly against Oxfordshire, making 60 and taking a wicket as the game ended in a tie.

"That was my first hit and I have not had much training so I was happy with how it went." said Hardinges.

"It is difficult when you have been playing at county level for ten years as there is expectation and I had a few nerves.

"But I was always going to keep playing after leaving Gloucestershire and I am looking forward to being part of the club at Frocester, and doing as well as I can.

"Games for Bucks and Frocester's league games don't clash so I can play both, and I am looking forward to my debut for Frocester on Saturday.

"On Sunday, Bucks play Dorset in the one-day cup, so it will be a big weekend for me and I am very excited about it.

"Frocester have some good young players and I hope to pass on some of my experience to them as well."