ASTWOOD Bank have been handed a tough start to the Birmingham League Division Three, but captain Steve Adshead is confident his side will rise to the challenge.

Bank face their longest lengthiest league trip of the season at Whitchurch, who suffered relegation from Division Two last season.

Astwood head into the game on the back of encouraging warm-up wins over Pedmore and Worcester Nomads.

They will be without Andre Jagielski but otherwise should be a full strength for the testing league opener.

Captain Steve Adshead said commented: “It is a very tough game, it’s our longest away trip and we are playing a side who we know nothing about.

“They were relegated last season so neither side will know each other at all, but we’ll be going to be positive and try to win the game.

“Last season we had a horror start but recovered well, so we’re going into the season with a lot of confidence.”

South African Matt McDonald made an immediate impact on Saturday, hitting as he scored 51 runs for Astwood in their final pre-season friendly of the season.

Joel Haslam (40), Mike Desmond (4) and Steve Adshead (30no) were in got among the runs asl well as Bank posted recorded 260 and then bowled out the hosts for 190.