Acton-Brown is confident his hungry Wulf pack can push on this season

They finished bottom of the pile in what was a half-season with no relegation last year but have made some solid additions.

Sri Lankan Adeesha Thilanchana is their overseas player, although he cannot play in their opener against Hammerwich this weekend as he has to quarantine.

“We’ve got Adeesha in as our overseas player. We’ve also signed Parminder Singh from Fordhouses and got an old player back in Chris Fullwood after he didn’t play last year,” said Acton-Brown.

“So, we’re looking a bit stronger than we were last year. I’m quietly confident that we can compete around mid-table this year.”

Tom Elwell will be calling the shots at Wombourne this summer.

Elwell takes on the captaincy role following Ben Hudson’s departure to Worfield.

And he has boosted his playing options with three new additions and the return of a familiar face.

All-rounders Jimmy Howell and Alex Haynes have joined from Walsall and Old Wulfs respectively, while batsman Alex French makes the switch from Beacon and spinner Ben Thomas returns after a spell at Brewood.

“We are looking forward to a more competitive season this year,” said Elwell.

“We are hoping to build something here and I am pleased with the squad we have assembled. There is a large pool of players pushing for a first team spot.”

Captain Andrew Bowyer says Wolverhampton seconds are focused on making sure they ‘compete in each game’ this summer.

As the only second XI outfit in the Premier Division, they have been unable to sign an overseas player.

The largely home-grown group hope to start brightly at Tamworth this weekend, while they also look forward to competing in the ECB Vitality T20 Plate this year.

“It’s pretty much the same outfit as last year,” said Bowyer. “Let’s be honest, we’re not going to run away with the league. We’re just looking to compete in each game, as best as we can. We’ll do what we can. As long as we compete, that’s the main thing.”

Wolverhampton finished eight out of 11 teams in last year’s half-season.

Bowyer added: “We’re not allowed an overseas player as we’re the only second team in the league

“It’s a ridiculous rule which doesn’t make for fair competition, but we’ve got good experience in the team. We’ll look to bring some more kids through as well.

“We know there’ll be a few teams around the bottom, so being above that mix would be good for us.”