THE new Clacton and District League season begins on Monday.

For the last four years, Nomads Panthers have reigned supreme in division one, in each of those seasons winning the title by over 25 points.

They retain last year's successful line-up - James Denyer, John Hatley, Sam Hume, Gill Locke and Colin Webber - and it would a major surprise if they didn't make it five titles in a row come next April.

If there's to be a title challenge, the likeliest source is Windsor Condors, with Greg Green, Martin Hogg and Colin Stallwood strengthened by the addition of Felipe Rodriguez, who links up with sister Annabelle after a four-year gap.

Windsor Eagles are the most consistent of all the top-flight sides, having finished in the top six every year since 1991.

They're also unchanged and, although a repeat of last season's runners-up position seems improbable, a top-four finish is well within their capabilities.

But don't overlook Walton A who've amassed, on paper, a strong-looking squad which includes Kevin James, Gavin Price and Gary Young, alongside Paul Woolnough and John Rankin.

Colin Dearman and David Binns are added to Walton B regulars Mark Gale, Jason Gale, Paul Meikle and Derek Willis, a solid and competitive mid-table outfit.

And that description could also apply to last year's third-placed team Windsor Hawks who, without Felipe Rodriguez and despite the inclusion of Elliott Attrill and Colchester League stalwart George Berry, may have to settle for less heady heights.

Last year, Brotherhood B, Brotherhood C and Nomads Lions were separated by just three points in sixth, seventh and eighth places and there could be equally-tight competition this year.

Brotherhood C retain heavyweights Kevin Gowlett and Alan Burgess alongside Kevin Pryor and Fred Gallone while Brotherhood B, without David North, will be looking to Gracie Edwards to continue her steady improvement.

Although not officially confirmed, the Nomads club look like promoting Roger Hance to join Paul Hume, Adam Wilkin and Adam Cuthbert to form a competitive Lions' team.

Of the remaining three sides, Windsor Kestrels - who've been reprieved from relegation for the last two seasons - look best-equipped to survive, despite the absence of Bob Sawyer from their squad.

But life looks likely to be a struggle for the two promoted teams.

Dan Wright is given an opportunity to test himself at this level in the Windsor Owls' team together with Frank Burbidge, Mark Salter and Tricia Salter.

And although Lawford, last year's division two runners-up, retain the familiar threesome of Paul Hewitt, Ian Sherwood and Richard Spence, both they and the Owls could find themselves locked in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

A preview of division two and division three will appear next week.