Captain James Wade is determined Teddington will not be the nearly men of the Middlesex County League Premier Division, writes Andy Bloss.

The club have finished runners up to league champions Ealing four years in a row and last season only finished 10 points – one win – behind them.

Teddington have beefed up their ranks over the winter with six new faces joining the their squad.

Fast bowler Nick Elsmore has joined from Melbourne University, all rounder Frankie Brown has made the move from Cambridge UCCE and opening batsman Chris Paget has joined from Brondesbury.

Other new recruits include ex-Hampton Wick leg spinner Zammack Tughral, all rounder Richard King and fast bowler Charlie Hopkins.

Wade is hoping that the new additions can end the club’s wait to lift the title.

“We have lots of new recruits this year and I’m excited about a handful of them, they should all be in strong first-team contention and will be a good wake up call for the squad,” he said.

“I hope they will bring a lot to the team and importantly we have added a bit more athleticism in the field which will be a big bonus.

“I won’t say too much about them but I hope over the season they will cement their places and become leading players in the MCCL.”

Teddington start their league campaign at home to Winchmore Hill on May 12.