THE Shepherd Neame Essex League season is here and Colchester and East Essex believe they have what it takes to be the best side in the county.

They begin their premier division campaign against Gidea Park and Romford - who they beat in the League Cup last weekend - at Castle Park tomorrow.

And skipper Andrew Kennedy told the Gazette he has enough quality in his side this season to challenge for the title.

He said: "In the second half of last season we showed we can beat anyone and now I believe we have better players at the club so there is no reason why we can't expect to be right up there come August.

"We made some great signings durings the winter, who have professional experience and who will give us that extra edge at important times in matches.

"In Andrew McGarry we have a bowler capable of bowling long spells, as well as being a strike bowler and I expect him to take a hatful of wickets.

"Ben France gives us the opening partner for Julian Russell that we have needed, while Malintha Gajanayake has finally arrived from Sri Lanka."

Although it was third time lucky for Colchester in obtaining an overseas player for the season and Gajanayake does not have Test match experience like the previous two - Malinda Warnapura and Jehen Mubarak - he has captained his country at under-19 level.

"Having seen him in the nets, it is fair to say it is easy to see why he is a first-class player with great experience."