NEW Martinstown skipper Sam Kershaw has described taking over the captaincy as a “challenge” ahead of a tricky Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League opener at Poole Town tomorrow (1pm).

Kershaw assumes leadership of the club from ex-Dorset opening batsman Ed Nichols, who stepped down after guiding Martinstown to a superb finish of fourth in 2018.

Speaking to Echosport, Kershaw admitted he would provide a “different angle” to Nichols as Martinstown seek to get the new season off to a flying start.

He said: “It’s something different. Ed’s done quite a good job, so it’s a different angle on things and we’ll see how we go from there.

“Ed will be there – taking over from him is a challenge but I’m looking forward to it and obviously Ed will be giving me advice on the way and hopefully we can work together well.

“Coming fourth in the league we’ve got a pretty good base. It’s just a case of trying to build on that. Every team wants to improve every year – that’s natural.

“We’re a pretty settled side, we know what we’re good at and we work on the things we’re not so good at.”

The Villagers face a testing first tie against the 2018 runners-up, with Kershaw adding: “It’s a good time to play a big team but at the same time you can catch yourself cold.

“We’re confident, it’s just a case of turning up and doing what we’re good at.”

Matt Camp, Ryan Chase and Teddy Andrews all miss out through unavailability.

Martinstown: Nichols, S Williams, Hill, Maltby, Kershaw, Kane, Rimmer, McNab, Cottrell, Durant, Read