NEW Harwich and Dovercourt Cricket Club skipper Steve Bushell has promotion in his sights this season.

The Low Road outfit begin their Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division five campaign with a home match against St Margarets on Saturday (12.30pm).

Bushell has taken the captaincy reins from Lee Davis and expects his side to be among the pacesetters, largely thanks to the return of experienced all-rounder Aaron Rudkin, from neighbours Mistley.

"Alongside new second-team captain Paul Grubb and Sunday captain Brandon Carter, it's my aim to work closely together to improve and build on the performances of recent seasons and be competitive in our respective leagues," said Bushell.

"I expect the first team to be competing for promotion to division four as a minimum this year, having been boosted by Aaron's return from Mistley.

"Opening batsman Aaron Bilton is fit again and we also have another new signing in all-rounder Tom Day.

"I'm also expecting big things from our younger players, in particular Brandon Carter and Harvey Bennett.

"Net sessions have gone well over recent weeks and with our first game coming up this weekend, a winning start is imperative."

Bushell is delighted to be taking over as captain and said he was grateful to all the club's sponsors, in particular main shirt sponsor JS Flooring UK.

"I'm excited to be returning to the role of first-team captain, having held the role previously as well as that of club captain, and am keen to build on the great work of departing first-team captain Lee Davis," he said.

"I'd like to thank him for his hard work and commitment.

"We welcome everyone to the club to support us on matchdays at our much-improved clubhouse and bar.

"We also have regular events throughout the year, details of which can be found on our Facebook page (Harwich & Dovercourt Cricket Club) or via our website, www.hdcclub.co.uk."

Harwich finished sixth in the division last year.

Elsewhere, neighbours Mistley get their Two Counties Championship first division campaign underway with a trip to last year's runners-up, Witham, on Saturday.