CRICKET returns this weekend – and the Warrington area’s top club, Grappenhall, will be at home to Cheadle in their first game of the season.
Grappers managed to survive in the top tier of Cheshire cricket last year – but only just.
They will be hoping to do rather better in the ECB Premier division of the Vivio Cheshire County League this year and they will have Aussie all-rounder Olly Knight (pictured) to help them do so.
Olly, 24 and six feet four inches tall, is a quick bowler and a big hitting batsman who has been playing in Grade cricket in Australia – probably the highest level of amateur cricket in the world.
Club officials have been impressed with his early performances in the nets and in a pre-season friendly.
Also joining the club is Ian Hall, a six foot six inches quick bowler and strong lower order batsman who has played for Grappenhall before but has spent the last few years playing in the Greater Manchester Cricket League
Add to this the return to full fitness of Adam Green, who missed out last season because of a shoulder injury, and the return of a number of regulars and, on paper, Grappers look a pretty strong team.
Seven or eight of the likely starting 1st XI are local lads who have come through the club’s youth teams.
A good mix of experienced players and very promising youngsters should ensure the 2nd and Third teams enjoy good seasons.
Warrington will start their county league division two season at home to Congleton.
In the UKFast Cheshire Cricket League, Lymm Oughtrington Park will open their season at home to Stockport Trinity and Appleton will entertain Hawk Green.
Stretton are at home to Wirral side Maritime while Glazebury will travel to nearby Bowdon.
Cricket is back – with a 6ft 4in Aussie fast bowler
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