NEWTOWN go into the new Shropshire League season aiming to improve on last season's fine showing.

The Powys club ended in the top half of the table and came close to being accepted for promotion to the premier league in 2023.

The Recreation Ground club head into the summer as the top club in Powys and the region's sole representative in the first division.

Dave Laird has returned to his hometown club after a spell at Bridgnorth while Luke Jones has also made the switch from Oswestry.

The departure of Ryan Davies who has moved to London will see Newtown without one of their regulars of the past seasons.

Meanwhile JC Balt has returned to Namibia following a successful summer with compatriot and ex-Namibia Under 19s international Marco Milan his replacement.

The club will be led by Dave Anthony with Tom Anderson his vice captain as the club strive to improve on last season while their second string push for promotion from division four.

OTHER NEWS:

Alberbury go into the second division season led by Lara Jones and vice captain James Bird.

Once again the Pecknall Farm side will strive to compete but have been dealt a blow with the departure of all rounder Ieuan Griffiths who has returned to his hometown club of Montgomery.

Montgomery are back in the second division after earning promotion last summer with Andrew Barker retaining the helm.

Barker said: "I'm excited for the season, we finished strong last year and have a couple of new and returning players that really add strength. There's really good squad morale and we can't wait to prove ourselves back in division two."

Griffiths joins from Alberbury but the Lymore club has lost opening bowler Tom Hughes who has left the area.