Newcomers Leg Trappers enter the land of the unknown this weekend when they make the move from the Commercial League to First Division cricket.

The club made it clear that they aren't aiming for the stars, maintaining that their main goal is to remain competitive with a priority of finishing around the middle of the table.

It's a far cry from what they experienced in the Commercial League last season when they won the title without losing a single game, their only defeat coming against the Jamaican Association in the League Cup.

There is still tremendous optimism in the club, confidence that has soared with the addition of several new players, including Jonathon Atkinson - a former England county player with Somerset.

Atkinson played four years with Somerset and former England skipper Michael Atherton regarded him as one of the best batsman he had seen while the pair were attending Cambridge. Atkinson arrived on the Island a few months ago.

One thing Leg Trappers know is that they will be a much better side than a year ago, but they are not about to predict that the improvements will strengthen them to where they will offer any serious challenge for the league title.

"Our aim is to be competitive and finishing near the middle of the table. We always felt that it would be no point applying to the league if we didn't intend to be competitive because that would be doing the league a disservice and we wouldn't want to do that," said player and team spokesman James Broadbent.

"We had a vote and felt that the only way we would go up would be with the goal to be competitive and we are confident that we will be. With Atkinson and two or three other new players we are certainly not saying that we are going to win the league, but we are very confident of performing well and certainly hopeful of a mid-table position at least."

The team's batting seems sound enough with the top scorer for the past few seasons, Graham Strange, returning as skipper. Others expected to make major contributions with the bat are openers Gary Knight and David Hosier, wicketkeeper Justin Freisenbruch, Australian Andy Harris, who just played a few games with them last season, Atkinson and Broadbent.

Veteran spinner and former Somerset Cup Match player James Swan leads the bowling department, the left-armer spearheading the attack each of the three years he has been with them.

But the pace attack is competent with their fastest man being Marc Wetherhill, a Bermudian who has spent most of his playing years in England. Strange will offer medium pacer deliveries.

Since entering the Commercial League six years ago Leg Trappers are proud of their record, one that has seen them win the league title on three separate occasions.

Now they have raised the bar in order to see what they are capable of accomplishing against more accomplished teams. It's a challenge they are looking forward to with great anticipation.

First Division in focus, see Page 28 of today's sports section.