New overseas star for Grappers

GRAPPENHALL start their season in the Vivio Cheshire County League Premier division tomorrow (Saturday) – with a new overseas player in the team.
South African all-rounder Warwick Abrahim will replace Aussie Josh McClelland, who has returned to Australia after two successful seasons with Grappers.
Warwick has played the last two summers down in Cornwall, scoring more than 2,000 runs and taking more than 50 wickets.
The 1st XI will be skippers by minor counties wicketkeeper Liam Parkinson, who takes over from former Lancashire player Richard Green.
Also likely to be in the side is Lancashire and England Under-19 fast bowler Sagid Mahmood who will lead the bowling attack when his Lancashire commitment allow.
Pace bowler Alex Matthews has also joined the club with a number of years of Premier League experience under his belt.
The first match is against Marple, away from home.
A club spokesman said the club was confident it could challenge for a top spot in the league this season and go one further in cup competitions that last year’s T20 final defeat.
The 23nd XI will again by skippered by Matt Titchard and is looking to bounce back after last season’s disappointing relegation. They will be at home to Sale tomorrow.
The 3rd XI will be led by Chris Reilly and they start their season with a T20 cup game at Knutsford on Sunday.
The end of the season will be disrupted all round at Broad Lane this year.
The club has been successful with a grant application through Sport England to replace the entire Broad Lane outfield. As a result, all games will be away from home after August 15 as works will then start on the ground.
But it will mean a fantastic new outfield from 2016.
Warrington start their season tomorrow when they entertain Congleton at Walton Lea, while the 2nd XI travel to Congleton.
Other Warrington area sides in the Cheshire League and the Cheshire Alliance are all set to launch their campaigns tomorrow.