Reigning champions Ketton have joined Ramsey and Elton Park in pulling out of the competition, while expected title contenders Godmanchester have been hit by a 25-point deduction for failing to attend a key league annual meeting.

Ketton were badly hit by the rule change concerning a limit on overseas players, a change that could also ruin Rushton's chances of repeating last season's runners-up place.

Oundle finished third last season but new skipper Cameron Wake is confident that his club can win Division One for the first time, even without help from their rivals.

Rutland League rules allow for only one senior overseas player this season, but Oundle will have two South Africans in all-rounders Martin van der Merwe and Darren van Dyke. Van Dyke is eligible as he's under 21.

Wake said: "We have a strong all-round squad this season, but the key factor could be our slow bowlers. We have every possible sort of spinner as van der Merwe bowls left-arm orthodox, Dan Bendon is a high quality leg-spinner and Phil Adams is a wicket-taking off-spinner.

"It will be a competitive division as always, but the rules on overseas players haven't helped some teams."

Cambs player Wake - who turns out for Peterborough Town in the Northants League - should get a bagful of runs along with opener van der Merwe to ensure the departure of last season's South African, Tennyson Botes does not hurt too much.

Ketton won the title last season on the back of numerous high quality imports, but they will field just one team in Division Seven this season.

Perkins will hope to bow out in a blaze of glory.

They will play at their Eastfield base for one last summer before Perkins close their entire sports association complex.

There are just eight teams in the top flight this season so their will be no relegation at the end of the campaign.

There's a humdinger of an opening Division One game on Sunday as Oundle travel to Godmanchester.

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