PRESTATYN get their Liverpool and District Cricket League Division One season underway this Saturday when they travel to Rainford.

There has been plenty of changes to the Beach Close side throughout the off-season, with incomings, notable departures and a change in leadership all taking place before the eagerly anticipated first fixture of the campaign.

Gareth Boughey has stepped down from the role of captain but will still remain part of the squad, with the club announcing a leadership structure that consists of David Harris, wicketkeeper Robbie Rimmington and Adam Tidswell, who will be the training co-ordinator and coach.

The club received a significant blow with the news that pacey seamer Kieron New has opted to depart and sign a contract with Bootle, with Dan Williams getting a fresh start at St Asaph.

Overseas star Peter Cassidy will not be returning as he looks to progress his career in Australia, with the club confirming that all-rounder Waqar Khan will join the squad in his place.

The new arrival is a leg spinner who also bats at the top of the order, and Khan boasts a wealth of experience in the Cheshire Premier Division and in the Liverpool leagues.

Teenage sensation Sheil Sethis is another that is expected to contribute heavily after enjoying a hugely successful winter playing his cricket in Australia, and he is also part of the Wales youth set-up thanks to a series of excellent displays.

Joe Horton and Gareth Leonard will also be part of the senior squad this summer, with talented youngsters Isaac Sheridan and Kieron Tidswell standing out considerably during the winter programme.

A club spokesman, said: “After a few players leaving the aim is to develop the younger players ready for senior cricket.

“We have a really strong youth section and lots of players coming through. It’s been great to see some of the younger players train so well in the winter.

“A similar thing happened about 6/7 years ago where we had to rebuild but then that group of youngsters matured and developed, and we won the league.

“It will be a difficult season in a very competitive Division One, but in the long run looking at possibly this year and next season the club should be in a strong position on and off the field.

“The team ethic and team spirit is really good so we our looking forward to an enjoyable season.”