Mark Newell insists steady progress is the way forward for Three Bridges.

The former Sussex batsman has just started his sixth season as Bridges skipper.

He is not ready to champion his side’s title hopes but hopes they can build on the form they showed in the first half of last season when they were in the premier division shake-up.

Newell, 36, said: “I was happy with the way we played last year. Leading up to the halfway point I thought we did really well.

“If we had got a couple more results we would have been in the mix to win the league but then we had a really rough July and ended up finishing mid-table.

“The core of the side is pretty much the same as last season. The guys we have added we are looking to blend into the team.

“We are not looking for great strides again and we are under no illusions we will win the championship. We are just looking for a good summer.”

Bridges have a new overseas player in the shape of quick bowler Nathan Rowe, a 20-year-old Australian from Sydney who replaces compatriot Michael Shaw.

Sutherland has played first grade cricket in Australia for Sutherland Cricket Club.

Batsman Mike Norris has left to return to Roffey but Bridges have some good youngsters coming through, such as Josh Price and Hisam Ul-Haq.

And then there is Danny Alderman.

Former skipper Alderman remains a key player for Bridges in all respects.

He finished last season as top runs scorer with 628 at an average of 41.87 and top wicket-taker with 32 at 20.75.

Newell is hoping to spread the workload a bit more this summer and is looking forward to a good campaign himself.

He is still enjoying himself, 11 years after leaving Sussex.

He spent three summers at the County Ground with elder brother Keith, scoring a career high of 135 not out against Derbyshire, who proved his next point of destination after being released in 1998.

Tomorrow Newell leads his men into action away to promoted Lewes Priory with hopes of landing their first win of the season.

Newell said: “We played them in the ECB National Cup last weekend and beat them. We will be going there full of confidence.

“With the promoted sides you look at the fixtures and think there are four games you should be trying to win.”

Lewes Priory have renewed links with Sussex University this season which means six students have joined the club and are pushing for places.

Elsewhere, champions Preston Nomads will look to build on their winning start to the season when they visit Cuckfield, who won last weekend against the other promoted side, Haywards Heath.

Next up for Heath are Eastbourne, who looked in good shape as they drew with Hastings last Saturday.

The East Sussex League gets under way with champions Iden away to Ditchling. Crowhurst Park, who are expected to be their main rivals again, have Paul Brookes back as skipper.