Underdog tag suits Swindon

9:43am Thursday 17th April 2008

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Consolidation is the aim for Swindon Cricket Club as they prepare for their first game back in Division One of the Staffordshire Club Cricket Championship.

Swindon won promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking last season and have kept the majority of that squad together for new campaign.

The one major new signing is Gerhard Schmidt, who has replaced fellow South African Leon Bender as the club's overseas star.

Captain Brendan Buchanan is under no illusions that his side face a tough challenge to stay in Division One.

He said: "We are clear with what we want to achieve this season and that is survival.

"It's an exciting challenge in front of us because there are a lot of big teams in this league and we know it's going to be a real tough test.

"We have a strong team spirit, which will hopefully carry us through."

Swindon face a difficult opening fixture when they host highly-rated Pelsall on Saturday (1.30pm start) following their relegation from the Birmingham League.