Well they're not laughing now as Yaxley's ever-improving squad and always-excellent team spirit has taken the villagers to within one promotion of their target.

Yaxley will not start their second season in Division Two as one of the promotion favourites, but they are confident they can ruffle a few illustrious feathers.

New captain Stuart Elderkin said: "We had a chance of promotion last season until we fell away badly in the final six games or so, but if we stay clear of injuries we can have a real go at getting up this summer.

"We've strengthened the squad and we look decent in all areas. It's amazing to think where we were in the 1990s, but there can't be too many teams in the league with a better team spirit than us and that's proved important over the years."

Yaxley have recruited well in the close season with Neil Buckingham (Peterborough Town) and Martin Edwards (Ramsey) both dropping down a level to play at Middletons Road.

City-based Khalsa seem set to mount a sustained challenge this term, while Castor are back under the astute leadership of spinning all-rounder Andrew Knowles.

March skipper Chris Ringham believes his side will have their work cut out to retain the Division One crown, even though the loss of Shardel Brahambhatt has been offset by the arrival of two Australians.

Ringham said: "We'll have a go as usual, but the word on the grapevine is that many teams have strengthened, especially Burwell who finished a close third last season anyway."

Wisbech, whose captain Gary Freear will also lead Cambs in Minor Counties action this season, believe they can climb into the top four this summer, while Ramsey's aim is to silence the knockers.

Leighton Gilbert is back in charge of a Ramsey side who have been hard hit by player departures. Talented teenagers Jonathan Markland and Michael Cafferkey as well as Edwards have left the club for pastures new.

Gilbert, who quit the club himself midway through last season after an internal disagreement, said: "People have been writing us off which is no bad thing because we will be motivated to prove everyone wrong."

Former skipper Michael Kay is expected to return to Ramsey, while hopes are high that 17 year-old Australian Jack Little will score plenty of runs at the top of the order.

Nassington expect to build on their creditable fifth place finish last summer after signing explosive batsman Tariq Aziz from Peterborough Town.

Cambs Division Two opens on Saturday with Division One set to start on May 3. Last season's title contenders Burwell and March meet on the opening day.

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