NEW Frinton Cricket Club captain Michael Comber says excitement is "spreading like wildfire" ahead of what he hopes will be a title-winning season for the Ashlyns Road side.

The coastal club get their East Anglian Premier League campaign underway with a home match against Great Witchingham on Saturday.

They hope to be among the frontrunners for the championship and have signalled their intent by making four eye-catching signings - Essex's Adam Wheater, Ollie Bocking, from neighbours Colchester and East Essex, Norfolk skipper Ashley Watson and Sri Lankan spin king Dulanjala Mendis.

They have also retained the services of former county star Jaik Mickleburgh.

“We were doing well and then fell away a bit towards the end of last season, mainly because of the situation with our second team fighting to avoid relegation," said Comber, who has taken over the captaincy from Kyran Young.

“But this time you can feel the excitement around the whole club.

“It’s spreading like wildfire and the environment around the place is so good.

“The new signings are a massive part of that and I think we’re all excited by the prospect of playing alongside these boys.

“It means I’m going to have to upset a few guys because we can only play so many but it’s a great and healthy position to be in."

Comber is champing at the bit to get the season underway, having enjoyed a successful winter in Australia.

The 29-year-old played for Meerlieu Cricket Club, in Victoria, and finished with the highest batting average in the league, with 78.

Now he is ready for what he hopes will be a successful domestic campaign - and so proud to be skipper.

“I’m very honoured to be captain and can’t wait to get started," he said.

“We’re going to train hard and do everything properly, without ever being complacent.

“I truly believe we can have an exciting season together but in order for that to happen, everyone has to pull their weight.

“If that happens, there’s no reason why we can’t push at the top of the league, as well as going far in both the T20 competition and 40-over National Cup.

“It’s a thrilling time to be captain and it’s something I’ve enjoyed in the past.

“I was captain at Bury for a couple of years and was Ben France’s vice-skipper when I was at Clacton.

“I love it and relish the responsibility."

Opening batsman and former Mistley man Michael Griggs will be Comber's vice-skipper.

Meanwhile, Frinton's second team, who will compete in Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division two this season, also begin on Saturday with a trip to Kelvedon and Feering.

Their first home game is on April 27, against Braintree.