GLAMORGAN vice-captain Adrian Dale (pictured) has signed a new three-year contract with the cricket club - and in that time hopes to see the county cement themselves in the top flight.

In recent seasons, Glamorgan have been something of a yo-yo side, being promoted and relegated at various times in both the County Championship and National League.

But Dale, off to New Zealand for a month at the weekend to take in his wife's sister's wedding, is keen that should end.

"In the last three years we have shown that if there were still just one division in the championship and National League, we would finish around mid-table," said Chepstow's Dale who begins he benefit year in 2002.

"We seem to go up one season in one and down in the other and we have to try our best to consolidate ourselves in the top divisions in the next few seasons.

"The key for us next season in the First Division of the National League is not to underestimate the sides there.

"Last time we were there we thought the standard would not be much higher than it was in Division Two and we were caught out because it was a lot higher.

"In the championship the key is not to believe we have a divine right to go back up just because we have done it before. We have to treat all the sides with respect and be confident, but not over-confident, in our approach."

Dale, 33, Glamorgan's player of the year in each of the past two seasons, said he was "very happy" to have signed the new contract.

"The club came to me to offer me the contract which is effectively a two-year extension on my current one, which still had a season to run.

"There have never been any thoughts in my mind that I might have to leave Glamorgan one day. I've always been happy here," he said.

"During the past few seasons I have been a lot more relaxed about my game. I feel confident at the crease and mentally attuned.

"I very much enjoyed the experience of acting as captain last season in Steve James' absence.

"I am also very happy with my fitness. I have not missed a championship game for ages and though I still get the odd problem with my back, it's not a worry."