MORE of the same is the ambition of Brockhampton chairman Roy Wargen with the new Birmingham League Premier Division season just around the corner.

In last year’s rain-ruined summer, their first at that level, the villagers managed a creditable seventh.

“Of course, we’d like to win it,” said Wargen. “But I would be happy with mid-table.

“We have a lot of youngsters coming through - Joe Crichard, Ollie Cross, James Mokler and Will Barrett are all in the 18 to 22 age group and we’re going to need to blood them in the first team this season.”

Brockhampton will be under new leadership this season with Herefordshire opener Ben Stebbings taking over from Owen Price as captain.

“We have been very lucky to have had two great captains in the Birmingham League,” said Wargen.

“We had Jonny Walker and then Owen Price, who did a fantastic job in getting us up into the Premier Division.

“I’m pleased about Stebbings stepping up to the job - I think he’s going to be very good.”

Stebbings will, however, not be able to call upon Walker’s services as a cricketer.

The middle-order batsman has opted to hang up his boots.

Spinner Charlie Griffiths will also be missing as he has decided to emigrate to Australia.

But there will be one familiar face at his disposal.

Brockhampton have secured the services of 20-year-old, Hereford-born paceman Charlie Morris, who is on Worcestershire’s books and played with Stebbings at the Oxford MCCU.

Morris has played two first-class matches and, last year against Worcestershire, his victims were Moeen Ali, Alex Kervezee and Vikram Solanki.

Brockhampton have also signed on Builth Wells’ left-arm pace-man Jamie McIlroy.

“He will go into our second team where Glyn Harrhy is now the captain,”

said Wargen.

Brockhampton are not pursing the idea of an overseas player, however.

Pitch preparation, meanwhile, has been hampered by the unseasonal weather. “I’ve not been able to do as much as I usually do,” said Wargen.

“I’ve been rolling the square when I can and we’ve cut the outfield two or three times.

“But it’s been so cold that it’s a job to raise much enthusiasm.”

Brockhampton begin their season with an away Birmingham League Graham Williamson Trophy clash at Kidderminster Victoria on Saturday.