Skipper Toby Bailey has issued a message of intent by signing a new pace trio he hopes can see Teddington challenge Ealing at the top of the Middlesex County League Premier Division this season.
The 31-year-old wicketkeeper kicks off his third season in charge at Bushy Park with an opening-day clash at home to Eastcote tomorrow, looking to improve on last season's fourth place finish.
Bailey's men finished 2007 in fine form with an unbeaten run of eight matches, and the former Northamptonshire star thinks a three-pronged pace attack can help his side launch a title challenge.
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Former Nottinghamshire medium pacer Tom Savill comes in with Zimbabwean Tarisai Asvanha, while the club's overseas pro is India U19 and Indian Cricket League star Abu Nechim.
Nechim will not receive his visa in time to be in the country for tomorrow's first clash, but Bailey expects big things from his new men.
"We went wrong last year because we couldn't take our chances at key points in the game," he said.
"We were in positions to win games but lacked the maturity to capitalise.
"It is going to be hard work to beat Ealing because they have won it for the past four years and have a very balanced side.
"But I think we have matured and we have strengthened our seam bowling significantly - and kept hold of the best of last season's side - which means we are going to be a threat in the field."
Teddington are without their derby fixtures against Richmond after the Old Deer Park side were relegated to Division Two last season.
But, while Bailey will miss the local rivalry, he admits Richmond - who take on Twickenham on Saturday - have what it takes to bounce back at the first attempt.
"It all depends how often they can get seamers Craig Jones and Robbie Williams on the pitch this year," he added.
"CJ has had his injury problems over the past couple of years, but they have both played at a higher level than the Premier League.
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