Neil Lederman believes consistent availability is the key to the success of London Maccabi Vale this season.

Team captain Lederman has led LMV to three consecutive promotions, but he expects things to be much tougher in the Chess Valley League Division Three.

He said: "We found out last year that our rivals were taking the league more seriously than in previous years and after going the first half of the season unbeaten, we came a bit unstuck towards the end and eventually finished third when the title was ours to lose."

Jon Daniels top-scored with 41 as LMV were comprehensively beaten by Winchmore Hill in their league opener, with Lederman (4-38) the best performer with the ball.

The return of wicket-keeper Russell Corin comes as a timely boost, according to Lederman who is delighted with the addition of young seamer Benjy Lovat.

Lederman said: "Joseph Greenwall-Cohen is also looking to play more games which is a big boost for the top-order.

"We'll need a strong core of seven or eight playing every week to be able to compete and hopefully challenge for promotion against some very strong opposition."