THIS year promises to be an exciting one for Chepstow CC as the First and Second XIs take their place in the South Wales Premier League Division Two, writes Bob Cypher.

Both teams have an excellent blend of seasoned players and young prospects who will benefit from the experience of playing against better opposition.

Youngsters like brothers Sam and Ben Hope-Bell and Cam Rees showed the talent and temperament to deliver the goods when winning the South East Wales League First Division title - and promotion - last summer.

Despite the possibility that the extended travelling involved could affect availability, Chepstow are determined to take full advantage of their time in the top flight.

However, one downside to promotion is that the two derbies between Chepstow and Sudbrook CC’s First XIs will be missing from the fixture list this summer.

But that doesn’t faze Chepstow chairman Tim Rees, who is looking forward to the new season.

“We are excited and exhilarated by the challenge,” he said.

“We all want to take our club forward and we can’t wait for the season to begin.”