NORTHERN CRICKET LEAGUE PREVIEW After 6 months of winter the Northern Cricket League sponsored by Chorley Building Society finally returns this weekend. 2013 concluded with last day drama as Leyland won the Division One title, and if last season was anything to go by 2014 is promising to be a very close and competitive campaign. All the teams in the division have strengthened; signing key players who each club believes will make an impact during the new season. The Northern League also welcomes Penrith to the league, its refreshing to see a new team in the division, who will no doubt be looking to make an impression during 2014. One of the key opening day fixtures sees defending League holders Leyland begin their defence of the title with a home game against last seasons runners up Barrow. Barrow went agonizingly close to winning the title only to be denied by the weather on the last day. Leyland managed to avoid the rain winning on the title on the last day. Both sides have strengthened in the off season with Leyland signing Australian Alex Ross as their overseas player, whilst Barrow have re signed Graham Dawson, and welcome Indian Kaustaubh Pawar as their new Professional. This is a key game as both teams will want to get off to a good start and build some early momentum at the top of the league. In the other games, Lancaster begin with a home game against Jordan Clarke's Darwen. Lancaster had a fantastic 2013 finishing in the top 4 of the league. The team from Lune Road have signed New Zealander Michael Barry as their over seas player for the season. Barry replaces Jannisar Kahn who opted not to return for the new campaign. Darwen who had a mixed 2013, are looking to push on, as Kamran Anwar returns to the club, whilst they also welcome South African George Linde as their new Professional for 2014. New side Penrith begins life in the Northern Cricket League with a home game against Kendal. Penrith's new professional is Paul Hindmarch, whilst they may also give debuts to Alex Artkinson, Greg Hall, Ben Davidson, with Brothers Ryan and Angus Carruthers also set to play. New Zealander professional Jamie How is set to play for Kendal, after returning to the club as Professional. Whilst Ben Harrison and Ryan Shepherd could also make their debut for Stu Parkin's team. The evergreen Terry Hunte will also be playing for another season as he looks to wrack up more runs for the team from Shap Road. At Vernon Road St Annes welcome Marc Brown's Netherfield with Both sides looking to improve on what was a poor 2013. St Annes possibly giving debuts to Adam Holt and Mikey Harling, whilst Toby Bulcock is set to return after being retained as professional. Netherfield will see Australian amateur Ben Phillips and Sri Lankan all rounder Saliya Saman the clubs professional making their debuts. Mark Clarkson another new signing from Bolton Le Sands is also set to play. The Parkside road outfit will have to do without Chris Parry who has opted to take a season out At Woodhill Lane Morecambe host Fleetwood, it's been a hectic few weeks for Morecambe with the news that Mark Woodhead is unable to skipper the team for 2014, whilst Nick Stevens who was signed on as their professional was unable to come due to injury. Morecambe have been quick to act on this with the signing of South African Kelly Smuts as professional whilst Tommy Clough takes on the Captaincy. Fleetwood who will still be skippered by Mat Clark, see JP De Villiers make his debut as professional. The team from Broadwater have two games as they host the Lancashire Colts on Sunday. Andy Holdsworths Chorley host Saeed Bariwalas Preston, with both teams also looking to make an impact in 2014. Chorley welcome Mohammed Jamal as their new professional. Whilst Preston have confirmed that Soyeb Dukanwala will remain their professional for another season. Blackpool have a free weekend and start on the 26th April DIVISION TWO: Division Two brought as much excitement as Division One last season as Morecambe ran out surprise winners of the Division two title. DIVISION ONE 19th April Wickets pitched at 1-00 pm Chorley v Preston Umpires - Mr Barry Evans Tel: 01253 729369 Mob - 07971 641433 Mr Kevin Hart Tel: 01257 793837 Mob 07812 921874 Lancaster v Darwen Umpires - Mr John Butler Tel: 01254 410320 Mob - 07986 761603 Mr Gary Parker Tel: 01524 242421 Mob - 07875 022982 Leyland v Barrow Umpires - Mr Stephen Dewhurst Tel: 01772) 615487 Mob - 07590 464214 Mr Phil Watmough Tel: 01772 615642 Mob - 07980 934329 Morecambe v Fleetwood Umpires - Mr Ken Ashworth Tel: 01772 632633 Mob - 07875 588291 Mr Bob Cairns Tel: 01253 728104 Mob - 07850 684309 Penrith v Kendal Umpires - Mr Kevin Howarth Tel: 01229 716943 Mob - 07799 020151 Mr Eddie Payne Tel: 01229 832038 Mob - 07798 772662 St Annes v Netherfield Umpires - Mr Steve Godfrey Tel: 01253 724893 Mob - 07901 860493 Mr Ken Shenton Tel: 01253 343988 Mob - 07742 715595 Blackpool No Game Sunday 20th April Wickets pitched at 1-00 pm Fleetwood v Lancashire Colts Umpires - Mr Chris Coxhead Tel: 01704 513873 Mob - 07513 431222 Mr Alf Dunn Tel: 01772 746281 Mob - 07985 633095 DIVISION TWO 19th April Wickets pitched at 1-00 pm Barrow v Leyland Umpires - Dr Andrew Mason Tel: 01900 825001 Mr Colin Wilson Tel: 01524 822133 Mob - 07759 080614 Darwen v Lancaster Umpires - Mr Chris Coxhead Tel: 01704 513873 Mob - 07513 431222 Mr Tom Wilson Tel: 01772 600326 Mob - 07443 915734 Fleetwood v Morecambe Umpires - Mr Tony Armer Mob - 07451 954153 Mr Peter Wright Tel: 01524 414978 Mob - 07895 004995 Kendal v Penrith Umpires - Mr Dennis Houghton Tel: 01539 732448 Mr Andrew Wilson Tel: 01524 68793 Mob - 07747 673815 Netherfield v St Annes Umpires - Mr Sam Antcliffe Mob - 07964 577974 Mr David Whitworth Tel: 01539 536444 Mob - 07736 126556 Preston v Chorley Umpires - Mr Alf Dunn Tel: 01772 746281 Mob - 07985 633095 Mr Colin Dawber Tel: 01772 457861 Blackpool No Game

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