THE introduction of the Hampshire Academy team into the league's second division is sure to add spice to a potential intriguing tussle for honours.

County Second XI coach Tony Middleton plans to field three or four young professionals alongside his fledgling youngsters in the 50-over Division 2 matches.

The Young Hawks, who have effectively replaced Thames Valley League bound Cove, face Sparsholt in their opening game on the Rose Bowl Nursery ground on Saturday, 1pm.

Middleton, who scored over 5,000 first class runs for Hampshire prior to his retirement in 1995, will initially lead a raw, but talented Hawks team.

It will include the five Academy students Tom Burrows, Martin Bushell, Luke Merry, Mark Mitchell and highly rated New Milton all-rounder David Wheeler.

"Some of the youngsters are very inexperienced, but the Premier League promises to be a vital breeding ground for them; an arena in which they can develop their skills," Middleton emphasised.

Second XI regulars like Iain Brunnschweiler, Lawrie Prittipaul, Irfan Shah and James Schofield are among the 'young pros' likely to play.

"Our team selection will obviously depend on Hampshire first team calls and, insofar as this Saturday is concerned, will hinge on Benson & Hedges Cup squad selection," Middleton said.

Hampshire CCC Academy squad: Tom Burrows, Martin Bushell (Finchampstead), David Griffiths (Sandown), Peter Hammond (Sarisbury), Ian Hilsum (Ventnor), Kevin Latouf (Millfield), James Manning (Andover), Luke Merry (Thame), Mark Mitchell (Ventnor), Alex Richardson (Locks Heath), Mitchell Stokes (Basingstoke & North Hants), David Wheeler (New Milton).

Middleton's emphasis will be on player development, but he wants the Academy playing in the Gold Division sooner rather than later.

Hungerford, Lymington, United Services and newly-promoted Winchester KS are expected to be among the division's front-runners.

Relegated from Premier 1 at the end of last season, Hungerford are clearly aiming for a 'quick fix' and have busily recruited ex-Sussex wicketkeeper Nick Wilton and Devon medium-pace bowler Paul Warren, in addition to welcoming back burly Steve Wyatt, who spent last season at nearby Falkland.

Former MCC Young Prof-essional all-rounder Owen Dawkins, who plays Minor Counties Championship cricket for Wales, will captain Hungerford.

It took United Services a month or so last season bef-ore they got off the mark but, once Gary Hounsome got a settled side together, the results began to come.

Typical of a Services team, playing personnel at Burna-by Road has changed quite dramatically.

The return of Royal Navy opener Pete Andrew and left-arm spinner John Mann will be key, but Jacob Barnard and Tom Clarke are, as yet, unknown quantities.

Wicketkeeper Warren Gilmour, 21, is an intriguing arrival from Zimbabwe.

"Warren is a very accomplished cricketer, besides being an International standard hockey player," recalled Lymington's Daniel Peacock, who played against Gilmour in Zimbabwe.