CAPTAIN Richard Trotman is confident his Thornbury side will not be involved in another relegation scrap this season, writes Rob Iles.

Last year, Thornbury pulled off something of a great escape to stay up in West of England League Premier Two by winning their last two games convincingly but Trotman expects an improvement in this campaign ahead of their opener at home to Ilminster on Saturday.

Thornbury struggled mostly in the batting department last term but have strengthened that area with the signings of wicket keeper Steve Caple and all-rounder Greg Stephens, who has joined from Almondsbury. Gloucestershire’s former Zimbabwe international, Anthony Ireland, will also be available as Thornbury’s overseas player once again.

Trotman said: “We should be a better team, we’ve got an abundance of quality and potential to push up the league.

“It’s all in place, we’ve done our recruiting, so it’s now down to the guys taking the field.

“Looking at the competitions I’d like to go through a few rounds of the National Knockout Cup and push for the Bristol & District Competition.

“The most important is the league and I’d like to think we won’t struggle this year and can give the top teams a run for their money.

“Our squad is very similar to that which finished the 2008 season strongly, but we have strengthened with some additional signings.

“Our talented youngsters have another season of experience under their belts, so we are very much looking forward to the new season.”

Thornbury seconds, who were promoted to Premier One 2nd XI after winning the league last season, travel to Frocester for their first game of the season on Saturday, while the thirds entertain Phoenix West Indies.