DORRIDGE have their sights set on an immediate return to the Birmingham Premier Division after their relegation last year.
There have been a number of changes to the first team squad with Aaron Thomason and Mohammed Ishtiaq leaving, along with the South African professional Craig Kirsten.
Kirsten has been replaced by fellow countryman Barrie Forrester-Smith who is a medium pacer and middle order batsman.
Along with him, Dorridge welcome James Ayres, Aqeel Ahmed and Mohammed Akeel, while there is a warm welcome back for Iftikar Ahmed after a year at Attock.
Dorridge open their 2016 campaign at home to Brockhampton this Saturday and once again they will be lead into action by Dave Ball.
“Last year’s relegation was of course the last thing we wanted and so we are aiming to bounce straight back up,” said Ball.
“We have gained some good new players are hopefully we will play well as a team and achieve our main aim. We want to take it game by game, enjoy it and do well. I am looking forward to a successful season.”
There has been big changes in the junior section too over the summer with Paul Rastrick taking charge and he has put a lot of hard work into creating relations with locals schools in both Arden and Knowle especially.
This has resulted in a record number of over 190 players in the six to 16 age categories who are attending Friday coaching sessions.
A number of parents, social members and players have taken short courses in training to assist with the coaching alongside Complete Cricket.
This season Dorridge will field 13 junior teams who will be playing in leagues from under-nine up to under-15 age groups with the hope of forming a fourth team next year.
