CROWTHORNE & Crown Wood will aim to go one better than their Premier Division runners-up finish of last season when the new campaign begins this Saturday, writes Richard Ashton.

The Crows looked set to take the title in their maiden season in the top flight, only to falter in the latter stages of the season.

They blew a seemingly impregnable lead after failing to win any of their final six games, allowing Sulhamstead to snatch a second crown in three seasons.

Crowthorne & Crown Wood begin their campaign at home to Woodley on Saturday (1pm).

The top flight looks a competitive affair for the coming season, with Crows and Sulhamstead likely to be joined in competing at the top by 2014 champions Peppard Stoke Row – bolstered by a handful of new signings – and perennial contenders West Reading.

Woodley are dangerous on their day, while Woodcote have the potential to take the honours if they can retain solid availability.

Mortimer West End will be hoping to make the most of their reprieve in staying in the top flight, given to them after BCS Grosvenor were expelled from the league in the off season.

The top flight is rounded off by Ruislip Victoria and newly-promoted Emmbrook & Bearwood and Welford Park.

In Division One, relegated Sandhurst will start as clear favourites led by prolific run scorer Adam Birch, while Berks County Sports are expected to be contenders at the top.

Division Two could see the promoted clubs Waltham St Lawrence and Emmbrook & Bearwood 2nds mount a challenge along with Peppard Stoke Row 2nds, who were relegated last season.

In Division Three, West Reading 3rds look strong, but Warfield, Woodley 2nds and Purley 3rds will also fancy their chances, and in Division Four, Bradfield 2nds might be a good bet along with new boys, Binfield 3rds.

The League has some vacancies for qualified umpires on its Umpire Panel which operates in the Premier Division. 

Anyone interested should contact the League Secretary, Sam Peates, by email secretary@thebcl.org