Skipper Carlos Nunes is confident his newly promoted Twickenham side is ready to take on derby rivals Richmond ahead of the biggest match of the club's - and his - history.

The 24-year-old begins his first season in charge with a short trip to Old Deer Park in Middlesex County League Division Two tomorrow.

Twickenham secured their second successive promotion last season to reach the highest level of cricket to be played at the Green in the club's 175-year history.

And the Wimbledon-based all-rounder is expecting big things from himself as well as his side ahead of Saturday's opening day.

"We really couldn't have hoped for a better game to start with, especially playing at a nice ground with a nice track," said Nunes.

"I think they are just as pumped as we are.

"The guys realise that it is so important to get off to a good start.

"There is a lot more pressure on us as the underdogs, but I am backing us to pull it together.

"This is the biggest season of my life so far.

"I am looking for a big season. It is the best league I have ever played in.

"I am just looking forward to getting off to a good start, hit some form, and see where the season takes me."

Twickenham completed their preparations for the start of the league campaign by reaching the second round of the ECB National Knockout Cup with a 29-run triumph at British Airways on Sunday.

A solid batting performance - including 62 from Warwick Paull, a 26-ball cameo from Dimitri Nicolaides (24) and Andrew Barnes' patient 33 - laid the foundation for Twickenham's 218-8.

South African all-rounder Justin Scriven helped wrap up victory with 3-30 as the hosts were dismissed for 189.