THE town's two leading cricket clubs go into the start of the new season determined not to get dragged into another relegation battle.

Grappenhall and Warrington escaped the dreaded drop by the skin of their teeth in the previous campaign but they have recruited well in the close season and are confident of improved showings.

Grappenhall have retained the services of player coach Richard Green, who sparked a sensational late revival at the club last term, and signed fellow former Lancashire star Paul Ridgeway.

Back injuries cut their county cricket careers short but Grappenhall chairman Mike Tyreman expects them to have a big impact this season.

He said: "With those two players we should be a force to be reckoned with.

"We have also signed veteran wicket keeper Tony McCoy. That is another major boost and I expect us to finish the season near the top of the league."

Grappenhall's captain for 2004 is John Worley. He has been promoted from the second string to replace Will Sharp.

Tyreman added: "There is more optimism at the club than there has been for quite a few years and we can't wait for the season to get started."

Grappenhall's first game of the new Murray Smith Cheshire County Cricket League first division campaign will be at Upton on Saturday starting at 1.30pm.

Warrington will also start on the road. They play Bramhall on the same day and at the same time.

Warrington captain James Hughes is unavailable to play due to a knee injury which may require surgery.

Bowler Neil Thompson is also a doubt with an ankle problem but Warrington have plenty of cover in the bowling department after signing Australian Tim Johnson and his namesake Mark.

Skipper Hughes believes that the two fast bowlers will improve his squad considerably.

He said: "We have retained all of the players from last year and we should do well. We would like to finish in the top half of the table but our main aim is to avoid any dally into relegation."