The Mote narrowly avoided relegation from Kent League Division 1 last season and captain Alex Fordham has no intention of going through that struggle again.

Fordham's side begin their campaign at Bromley Common on Saturday eager to erase memories of their third-from-bottom finish, just 14 points above the two relegated teams, Sibton Park and Upchurch.

The wicketkeeper said: “We under-performed – we all know that. We lost games and confidence.

“Now we are all determined to put that behind us and show what we are capable of – and do it consistently. We’ve got a decent squad so there is no reason why we shouldn’t be competitive.”

One player who could help Fordham’s side banish last year’s demons is young Australian paceman Louis Cameron.

Cameron, 22, has played two First-Class games for Victoria after making his debut in the Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2012. He captured three wickets in those games and it hasn’t taken long to get among the wickets since arriving in Kent.

He took 3-25 in the 118-run friendly win against Gravesend last weekend and also chipped in with 49 not out.

And Fordham, who will lead the side for the third season, is delighted to be keeping to him rather than facing him.

He said: “We’ve missed having someone who has that extra pace and the ability to knock over the top order and then come back and finish off the innings. The ball hit my gloves well from him last week.

“He can also bat as well so I am sure Louis will prove to be a great acquisition for us.”