Hanham have set their sights on bouncing back up to the Senior Division in one summer.

The club finished third from bottom last September, but were relegated after two sides Almondsbury and Twyford House – one more than normal – came down from Bristol & North Somerset.

And Hanham have made a good start, winning their opening two matches against Bristol Sri Lankans and Coalpit Heath, both by six wickets, to climb top ahead of fellow 100 percenters Old Down and Bristol YMCA.

Chairman Richard Davies said: "We have played at a higher level for a number of years and now we want to regain that status.

"Simon Jones and Simon Bryant have joined us from Stapleton and have strengthened the batting.

"We feel we will be there or there abouts come the end of the summer. We want to go back up to the Bristol & District Senior Division next year and look at any loftier ambitions from there."

Hanham visit Henleaze to take on Bristol YMCA this Saturday, but Davies believes the club are heading into the unknown this year.

He added: "YMCA are going well. I think they will be one of the sides up there at the top come the end of the summer.

"We know about Old Down having come down with them from the Senior Division.

"Yet there are quite a few sides we have not played against before. It is going to be a learning curve for us."

Davies believes Jones and Bryant's arrival has spurred on Hanham's batting line-up with Richard Edwards hitting 71 and 36 not out this summer.

"They were here for part of last season, but have now committed to us fully," said Davies.

"Having them in the side has given us confidence in our batting. We can now bat a long way down the order. It has also made competition for places. People have to respond."

Hanham skipper Richard White has responded to the club's relegation.

The off-spinner took 5-34 in the win over Bristol Sri Lankans before Mark Stone and Ryan Gardner chipped in with 4-52 and 4-21 respectively in the victory against Coalpit Heath.

White works as a solicitor in Oxford, but travels back to Bristol each weekend to play for Hanham.

He will also play for the club in 20-over Bristol & District Knock-out Cup this summer.

"Richard is captain and travelling back to play for us each weekend shows his commitment to the club," added Davies.

"He provides some slower bowling for us. He is doing well and took five wickets in the opening match.

"He bats at No 7 but has not had the chance to show what he can do with the bat yet."