OTTERY captain Jody Clements accepts the season ahead could be a challenging one for his side.
Having made it into the C Division for the first time last season, Ottery finished just below mid-table.
The test for Clements is keeping the side where they are but with depleted playing resources.
“George Biggs has gone to Sandford and he was our, leading run scorer last season,” said Clements.
“Sam Tennant was ten runs behind George and he won’t be playing much this year.
“We have also lost Sam Laud to a team in Taunton, which isn’t a surprise as he goes to school up there, but it is another blow.
“There are some good teams and good pros in the division we are in and our batting has to step up and take on the challenge.
“I think that after half a dozen games we should have a good idea where we are going.”
Ottery didn’t see much of Lewis Townsend last season, or Sam Lynch who is usually good for a few runs.
Clements hopes both will be more regularly available, along with pacer Ed Fane-Trefusis.
The season starts with the long trip to Bideford this Saturday.