Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club begin their season this weekend when the first team entertain Guisborough 2nd XI in the NYSD 2nd division.
Saturday’s game at Moore Lane starts at 12.30pm. The second team don’t start their season until 30th April.
There have been quite a number of changes to the Aycliffe senior squads during the close season.
Last year’s 1st team player of the year John Cavanagh has signed for Darlington RA and wicket keeper Tom Young has rejoined his former club Sedgefield.
The club have also lost Tom Wickins, who has joined Shildon, Trevor Shingler, who has moved to Blackhall, Joe Haines, who maybe playing at Raby Castle and Danny Craggs, who returns to Mainsforth.
Danny Weldon and James Skerrett have both joined the RAF during the winter and may only be available for sporadic guest appearances throughout the season and Ben Nicholson may struggle to play on a regular basis due to work commitments.
However on the plus side, Aycliffe have signed former Marsden professional all rounder Mark Woodhead, opening batsmen Ryan Dawson from Mainsforth and all rounder Subhan Christudas from Durham City, who should all strengthen the first team.
Also former players Sean Lawless, Joe Teasdale and Elliott Holt have all returned to the club after time away due to work and university and will undoubtedly strengthen the second team.