Reigning champions Brighton Buccaneers begin the defence of their crown when the new Rawlings National League gets under way this weekend.

The Bucs begin at Waterhall on Sunday against London who finished top of the league last year before blowing out in the play-offs.

The majority of last year's roster has been retained with one or two notable additions. Gavin Marshall, the first born and bred British player to play professionally in America, has joined on a permanent basis after a cameo role in last year's Final Four Championship.

Jon Downes, a Canadian with a British passport, is back after a three-year absence and Michael Close, from Western Australia, is another new addition.

Pitcher and second baseman Pat Austin has joined Bucs under the coach/player import scheme although he will not be arriving until next month. Sunday's opener begins at 11am.