REIGNING champions South Wilts begin their preparations for a third defence of the ECB Southern Electric Premier League championship when they entertain Corsham at Bemerton tomorrow (1pm).

It’s the first of three preseason friendly matches South Wilts will play before the season takes a competitive edge at the end of April, writes Mike Vimpany.

They will also play Bournemouth and Falkland before visiting Warminster in the first round of the ECB Royal London Club Championship on April 27.

The trip across Salisbury Plain will be a revenge mission for South Wilts, who were surprisingly knocked out of the cup by Warminster last season, having reached the last 16 in 2012.

South Wilts will be largely unchanged this summer, although all-rounder Owen Alsop, pictured, currently studying at Loughborough University, has decided to take a break from the game this summer.

But Alsop’s absence gives three bright young prospects the chance to shine.

Jack Mynott recently returned from a successful winter in Melbourne and will be available all season, as will Ryan Burl, who has been away playing for the Zimbabwe under 21 side. Back to full fitness is Eddie Abel, who broke his finger and wrist last season.