Spencer Cricket Club skipper Neil Baker wants nothing short of 100 per cent commitment from his men this season as they look to bounce back into the Premier Division at the first attempt.

The Fieldview-based side were relegated to Division One of the Surrey Championship last season by just two points having won promotion in 2012.

Baker, who considered his future as skipper in the light of the drop, is looking for an immediate return to the top flight and he knows what it will take.

However, he will have to do it without openers Hugh Darby and Chris Baumann, who have gone on to pastures new.

Baker said: “We’ve lost a couple of players, but apart from that we’re pretty much the same squad and so we’re confident of a good season.

“The lads are buying into what we’re trying to do, and it’s best pre-season in terms of practising I’ve known for a while.

“We’re not doing anything hugely different from last season, we’re just trying to ask more of people and make sure they are committed to us.

“If they are not committed, that’s fine they can play in the second 11.

“It is important we have 11 guys on the field who desperately want to be there. That’s the only change in our philosophy.”

He added: “The club really wants to be in Premier League, we want to see ourselves as one of the top clubs in Surrey alongside Sunbury, Wimbledon and Reigate.

“We have to bounce back, but it will not be easy. We are going to have to fight for every win and there are going to be some tight games.”

Having tasted life in both the Premier League and Division One before, Baker is well placed to highlight the differences in cricketing standards.

However, it is not necessarily a question of standard, more of a numbers game.

“The difference between Premier League and Division One is that there are less good players around at this level,” he said.

“There are still good players around, but teams do not have the strength in batting or bowling and when guys are away, it really shows.

“Wimbledon have their stars, but they have plenty of guys who can play down the order, but in Division One there are some guys who are simply filling in.”

He added: “We’re disappointed we’re not in the Premier League now – and this is going to be a tough league.

“I am sure Banstead [relegated with Spencer] and Ashtead will be stronger than last year. It will a competitive league, but I am really looking forward to getting started.”

Spencer open their campaign at home to Banstead on Saturday.