Hampshire have been boosted by the return of two players as they prepare to toe the oche in the top flight of county darts.

Arron Monk will be a welcome addition to the squad that won promotion to the Premiership of the British Inter County League in April, along with Gosport’s Maxine Cadwallader, who is back from a break of several seasons.

Monk, from Andover, brings experience from playing in a few top class televised tournaments since winning the PDC Under-21 World Championship in 2011 – beating Michael van Gerwen in the final.

Two new players have also been drafted into Hampshire’s squad of 18 men and 12 women – Jamie Kelling, another PDC youth player from Andover, and Southampton’s Linton Hickman.

Spokeswoman Alex Ede said: “Linton has been playing the local leagues for years and all who know him have no doubt about his ability. He will be an excellent asset.”

Hampshire have a long and proud history of competing in the Premiership but have see-sawed between that level and Division 1 several times in recent years. They start their season with two away matches – at Glamorgan next weekend and then at the West Midlands on October 7/8.

Several men’s A team players will not be available for the opening match.

However, Alex added: “While we will miss them, as they are quality players, others can step forward and fill the gaps and will be more than capable of winning their matches.

“Confidence is high and, as was proven with the brilliant performances last year, Hampshire are a team who are tough to beat. No team in the Premier division will look forward to playing us.”

“Our first match at home will be against Devon on 14th/15th October at Hill Park Memorial WMC in Fareham and we would love people to come down and support us. I know the players would appreciate it.”

Hampshire – Men’s A: Dave Coffin, Luke Getty, Mike Gillet, Robin Hathaway, Charlie Jackson, Andy Mitchell, Steve Musson, Steve Phipps, Nillson Pritchard, Sam Rooney, Gary Stafford, Mike Symes.

Ladies’ A: Sue Lowther, Jane Monaghan, Tara Power-Gillet, Wendy Reinstadtler, Joanne Senior, Nikki Stevens.

Men’s B: Dave Bonnett, Graham Chalk, Richie Ford, Linton Hickman, Steve Jannaway, Jamie Kelling, Arron Monk, Andy Newcombe, James Nicholson, Mick Street, Mark Thorne, Paul Winter. Reserves: Steve Ballard, Darren Barnes (unavailable: Chas Barstow, Danny Pitman).

Ladies’ B: Maxine Cadwallader, Clare Cheney, Abi Jurd, Kelly Palmer, Dawn Simmonds, Sue Thompson (unavailable: Jaine Heaton).