WICKETS and outfields may still be soggy, but the forecast is brighter and the re-organised I’Anson Competition gets underway this Saturday with a limited number of fixtures.

There is a full programme of Division 3 matches, plus one game in Division 5.

Division 3 is starting earlier because it has been kept at 12 teams to allow for the entry of Farncombe, a former Surrey Championship side.

Divisions 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been reduced to ten teams in accordance with clubs’ wishes to reduce the length of the season. The season proper will start on April 28.

The restructuring means that former I’Anson heavyweights Thursley and The Bourne find themselves competing in the third tier, having finished eighth and ninth in last season’s Division 2.

Farncombe, like Brook before them, see the I’Anson as a way back to the club’s village roots and make their debut in the 117-year-old competition with an away match against Blackheath 2nd XI.

Brook, having raced up the I’Anson divisions with five consecutive promotions, visit Headley for their first match in the top flight on April 28.

• Fixtures for April 21:

Div 3 – Blackheath II v Farncombe; Bramley v Hindhead; Dogmersfield II v Harting; Headley II v Thursley; Shalford v Midhurst; Wood Street v The Bourne.

Div 5 – Fernhurst II v Badshot Lea II.