NEWPORT get their South Wales Premier League season underway at Spytty Park on Saturday, with captain Michael Clayden insisting his side are “in it to win it” as they bid for Division One glory.

Clayden’s charges, who host Ammanford in their first match of the 2016 campaign (12.30pm), finished third last year, 75 points behind champions Bridgend Town.

Wicketkeeper Gareth Ansell and all-rounder Joe Voke have joined Newport from Chepstow and Sudbrook respectively, while Clayden can also call on the services of Glamorgan’s veteran spinner Dean Cosker.

Those additions, together with a strong batting line-up and good balance of youth and experience, is what Clayden hopes will make it a summer to remember for his club.

“We’ve got quite a young but well-balanced side,” he said. “We are looking very strong in the batting department.

“It’s probably as strong a Newport side that I can remember.

“We want to be in contention at halfway. If we are close at halfway then we should have a good season.

“If we’re playing good cricket at the end of June and beginning of July then I’d like to think we’ll be in the mix.

“I think Bridgend will be favourites and Cardiff are going to be up there again.

“You’ve got to turn up for every game because each one is going to be tough, but we’re definitely in it to win it.”

Former Glamorgan batsman Alun Evans brings his Ammanford side to Spytty Park on Saturday, and Clayden knows his will be the prized wicket for Newport.

In Division Two, Panteg, who just missed out on the title and promotion behind Swansea in 2015, begin their new campaign at Aberdare (12.30pm).

Panteg, led by Ian Bird, were just seven points adrift of Swansea at the end of last term, while only Tata Steel finished below Aberdare.