Eastbourne open up their 2008 Sussex Premier League campaign with a home match against a highly-rated Preston Nomads side at the Saffrons tomorrow.

Burnett's men finished third last season despite going through the entire league programme unbeaten. Brighton and Hove topped the league with Cuckfield also sneaking above Eastbourne on bonus points.

Tomorrow's visitors finished the season on the same points as Eastbourne and Burnett expects them to be just as tough this year.

Burnett, who spent the winter coaching in South Africa said, "Preston normally put out a decent side and I'm sure they will again this year. They have to be one of the favourites for the title and we will have to be at our best to beat them.

"It's nice to have a tough match to get us into the season. Hopefully it will get the players focused."

After last year's disappointment captain Tom Smith is also eager to land the Sussex Premier title

A surprisingly self-critical Smith added, "I have to take the blame for that. I looked at my captaincy and perhaps I was too defensive when we were bowling.

"But I have learnt from that and I will take a fresh approach this year."

The Sussex spinner added, "We have a team capable of winning the title and we have to aim to do that this year."

Eastbourne could be without James Kirtley, Ollie Rayner and Ragheb Aga who are on Sussex duty.

Tom Smith, Ben Brown and MCC representative Mark Tompsett are set to play.