NEWTON Cricket Club are confident of bouncing straight back up to the Premier Division after retaining the services of Indian Test star Shiv Sunder Das.

The 26-year-old opening batsman missed the majority of the previous campaign after being called up to captain the Indian A team for a tour of England.

Newton had a nightmare season in his absence. They finished rock bottom and were relegated to the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition's first division.

The new campaign kicks off with a game against Colwyn Bay on Saturday.

Newton captain Ian Walkden is confident of winning the game at Crow Lane and he is tipping his troops to return to the Premier Division at the first time of asking.

He believes that the squad is good enough to challenge for the first division title and he is backing his brother Mike to shake off a disappointing 2003 and have a good season with both the bat and the ball.

Newton's second string skipper, Anthony Barlow, is also targeting promotion despite wanting to bring in a few fresh faces.

A good start will be essential but Newton Seconds face a tricky trip to Lytham on Saturday in their season's opener.

The club's under 15s and under 17s sides do not get going until early May and they are both on the lookout for new players.

Any youngsters interested in playing for Newton should contact the club on 224591.

The club should also be contacted for tickets for 'an evening of music with K T Young' fundraising event on April 30.

The event is open to everyone and tickets cost £5.