Newly promoted Spencer have signalled their intentions for their return to the top flight of the Shepherd Neame Surrey Championship by signing South African Free State skipper Hancke von Rauenstein as their overseas pro.

The 27-year-old, who has a first-class century to his name, will join up with skipper Neil Baker's men to bolster their middle order and add a touch of leg spin to the bowling attack at Fieldview.

The Spencer bowlers, who included former England international Alex Tudor for five games last season, were the mainstay of the team's success in 2007.

Another team making a return to the top flight are Division One champions Malden Wanderers, under the captaincy of Giles Puckle.

They are unlikely to see much of Surrey second team star and new dad Stewart Walters this summer.

Sutton, who had to settle for fourth place in a heavy rain-affected summer last year after winning the Premier Division in 2006, will be unable to call on their 50-wickets-a-season paceman Phil Sampson and injured top-order batsman John Fry this summer.

Skipper Keith Medlycott will also see less of blossoming youngster Arun Harinath, who is aiming for a Surrey starting slot after playing for the MCC against Sussex last month.

Sean Davies, who takes over as Wimbledon skipper, will be hoping to build on predecessor Mark Shimmin's progress last year.