JOE Breet is hoping that he will be able to impart his experience on to new Lechlade captain Freddie Martin.

The young batsman took over the reins over the winter at Manor Ground, while club have also seen Ryan Higgins take over as head coach.

Having remained in Premier Two, although through the restructuring it is now Premier Two Glos/Wilts, Lechlade get their season started at Chippenham tomorrow.

And while Breet is no longer leading the troops into battle, he relishing the new campaign.

“We have gone through a bit of transition this year,” Breet said. “I’m not the captain this year.

“Freddie Martin has taken over and I’m going to be there to offer him any help that he needs.

“I think that it is better to have a younger person take the job as hopefully they will be there for a good few years instead of chopping and changing every year with an older person.”

Lechlade will once again have South Africa Under 19s World Cup winner Brad Dial leading the charge with the bat.

The 21-year-old is becoming an emerging talent with his province Gauteng and scored three first-class 50s in eight matches.

“It is a massive bonus having Brad back,” Breet said. “You only have to look at his stats from last year to see what player he is.

“I would say that without doubt he is the best batsman in the West of England League.

“I know that is a bold statement, but he is a special player.

“He is starting to break through for his province and it is a lot tougher there too given the restrictions that there are.

“But he is a talent and hopefully he will keep on improving.”

Lechlade have also brought in opening batsman Tom Young from Chippenham this season, while Herefordshire bowler Liam Smith has arrived.

The Manor Ground side have signed wicketkeeper-batsman George Penfold from Marlborough and Jock Jamieson-Back from Cirencester for the new campaign.