LEADER James Hayward reckons it will be a “tough challenge” for South Wilts to retain the ECB Southern Electric Premier League championship they won so comfortably last season, writes Mike Vimpany.

“I’m expecting a very competitive league,” admitted Hayward. “We snuck under the radar a little last season, certainly at the beginning.

“But having just won the league then you are always seen as the team to beat. “There is obviously a lot of expectation on us but we feel ready as a team and do fully expect opposition to come hard at us.

We are certainly not one to shy away from competition.

“Last year there was a distinct divide between the top and bottom sides but looking at winter movement and this season’s teams on paper, virtually every squad seems to have strengthened.”

There are a few changes in personnel at Bemerton, with 19-year-old Zimbabwean Ryan Burl already catching the eye, particularly with his leg-spin.

“Not many teenagers bowl leg spin with such control, spin it fast through the air and have a variation,” Hayward added.

Former Bryanston pace bowler Ben Ladd-Gibbon has arrived and will challenge for a seam bowling berth, but has pretty stiff opposition from Owen Alsop, James Hibberd, Steve Warner and Jack Sheppard, if and when he’s allowed to play by Hampshire.

All the other award-winning South Wilts players will be on duty, although teenager Jack Mynott has school commitments at Dauntsey’s School until the end of term.

“We certainly look more balanced as a team and without doubt we have more depth within the club,” the captain added.

“Our bowling unit looks good, I believe we have all the bases covered with regards to pace, seam and swing, and plenty of spin options.”

South Wilts open their championship defence with what appears an ‘away banker’ against Bournemouth at Chapel Gate on Saturday (1pm).

l Tom Pearce leads South Wilts II into their Division 3 programme against Bournemouth II at Bemerton.