CRICKET sides from across the region will be hoping for success as the new season gets underway this weekend.

Prestatyn, St Asaph and Abergele all have high hopes of enjoying a strong campaign after putting together strong squads during the winter months The Beach Close outfit will once again be skippered by Gareth Boughey in the Liverpool and District Cricket League Division One, and they open their fixtures on Saturday at Newton-le-Williows.

They promise to have a formidable bowling attack thanks to new acquisitions such as Rai Amnol, overseas all-rounder Peter Cassidy and Ray Mendez, which will give them plenty of encouragement as they look to continue to establish themselves as a second-tier force.

Their first home tie of the campaign occurs the following week against Southport and Birkdale, and they also take on Wigan, Fleetwood Hesketh and Birkenhead Park in the crucial first stages.

A club spokesman previously stated that their main objective will be to consolidate their position within the division, but Prestatyn can be hopeful of achieving this thanks to their recent new arrivals in what is expected to be another very testing and tight Division One this term.

Will Ryan’s St Asaph will be looking to mount a North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title challenge after emerging as one of the surprise packages last term, and they begin their quest for the crown with a stern test against fancied Llandudno at Elwy Grove Park.

The city side have kept their squad intact with the news that overseas star Nathanael Scott is set to return, while Duncan Midgley will improve the top end of the batting order after joining from Mochdre.

Ryan, said: “Expectations for this year would be no different to last year, to try and push as high up the table as we possibly can and hopefully a couple of spots higher than last year,” he added.

“I think the two teams that have come up, Northop and Pwllheli are both good sides so the league will be competitive.”

Following their opening day clash, St Asaph host Hawarden Park before two tricky away games against Denbigh and Menai Bridge.

Abergele secured their Division One status on the final day of last season, and will be hoping for a more consistent performance in the coming months as they continue to establish themselves in the second tier.

David Moulsen will once again be key to any success that comes to Pentre Mawr Park throughout the campaign, but they face a difficult start with visits to Dolgellau and Llay Welfare in the opening fortnight, before entertaining Mold and Ponyblyddyn.