PLAYERS and officials of Newton Cricket Club are all geared up for their quest to make a rapid return to the Premier Division of the Littlewoods Gaming Liverpool & District Cricket Competition.

Last season was a big disappointment as the first team finished bottom of the table and were subsequently relegated to Division One.

But captain Ian Walkden is quietly confident that his team can bounce straight back.

Newton have secure the services of Indian Test Cricketer Shiv Sunder Das for the summer and he is sure to add some much-needed steel to the batting line-up. Walkden also believes that his brother Mike is due a big season with bat and ball after a disappointing last term.

The club have been training at the winter nets at Selwyn Jones and are ready to kick-off their campaign with a game against the always competitive Colwyn Bay side at Crow Lane East on Saturday, April 17.

Most of last season's players are again available to the club although second team captain Anthony Barlow will probably have to find a new face or two as his side also set out on the challenge of honours, starting with a tricky trip to Lytham on April 17.

Meanwhile, off the field, the annual and never-ending round of fund-raising starts on Friday, April 30 when the club is holding 'An Evening of Music' with K. T. Young. All are welcome. Tickets, priced £5, are available from the club.

The club are also looking to recruit youngsters for their under-15s and under-17s teams. Matches in these age groups start in early May.