PRE-SEASON has been hard work for North Mymms as they look to assemble the strongest squad possible.

Captain Neil Black has been attempting to recruit a crop of young cricketers to tackle the upcoming Home Counties Premier League Division Two East campaign.

Unfortunately, Black believes this has perhaps been to the detriment of the club's pre-season as a number of his players are either at university, playing overseas or Mymms' fixtures have conflicted with the county.

Black said: "I am confident that this will not impact the league season and by the second league game of the year, I feel we will be in a much better position than we were this time last year.

"With players having some other cricketing and sporting commitments throughout the season our biggest challenge this year will be availability."

In terms of new recruits, North Mymms welcome Rob Clements, Ed Clements and George Thurstance to the club.

Also signed up as their Australian overseas player is Ben 'Bruce' Langford as well as Jonathan Miles and Matthew Hicks.

The average age of the new recruits is 21, which Black hopes will stand the Home Farm club in good stead for the future.

All of the newly-signed players have played a high level, including county Academy cricket, Minor County cricket and other Premier League cricket.

The new acquisitions will without doubt improve the all round make up of the team and give Mymms more options in the bowling department.

And the signings will be hoping they can find similar form at the Home Farm club as experienced by club legend Mark Saxby.

At the club's annual general meeting, Saxby was awarded 'Life Membership' in recognition of his fantastic contribution during the past 28 years.

By the end of the 2008 season, Mark had made 953 appearances for North Mymms, scoring 26,392 runs with an average of 39.04.

He has also taken 1,548 wickets with an average of 19.93 per wicket, as well as 369 catches.

President Ken King said: "Mark is extremely well-respected throughout the county, both on and off the pitch, and has been a credit to North Mymms during his cricketing career."

The club wish to thank Mark and hope he continues to enjoy much more success during the coming seasons.

Mymms' sights are firmly fixed on Harpenden at Home Farm on May 9.

If Mymms can get off to a good start this year, captain Black is confident that they have the cricketers to make an impact in the league.

"Mymms always attempt to win the league and it is a must that we improve on our league position year on year," added Black.