GRAPPENHALL begin their Cheshire County Premier League season at Marple on Saturday boosted by some exciting new close-season recruits.

With Josh McClelland returning to Australia, Grappenhall welcome South African all-rounder Warwick Abrahim to Broad Lane.

Abrahim spent the past two seasons at St Minver in Cornwall, scoring 2,217 more than 2,000 runs and taking 54 over 50 wickets.

He is joined by Lancashire and England under 19s fast bowler Saqib Mahmood, who will lead Grappers’ bowling attack when his Lancashire commitments allow.

Mahmood is complemented by the arrival of experienced Premier League quick bowler Alex Matthews, while minor counties wicket-keeper Liam Parkinson takes over the captaincy from Richard Green.

“With the new additions to the first XI, there is real confidence that they can challenge at the top of the Premier League and go one further in the cup competitions than last year’s T20 final defeat,” said secretary Paul Tyerman.

Grappenhall Seconds will look to bounce back to the second-string top flight at the first time of asking, skippered by Matt Titchard.

They host Sale on Saturday, while the Thirds, led by Chris Reilly, host Knutsford in the T20 Cup on Sunday.

Grappenhall’s season will be disrupted late on after the club were awarded a grant through Sport England to replace their outfield.

All games will be away from home after August 15, when work begins in time for the 2016 campaign.

Warrington also welcome a new overseas player this season, with 21-year-old Nathan Green signing as a replacement for Kyle Adams.

The Melbourne-born fast bowler is joined by former Toft batsman and leg-spinner Adam Green, while Warrington’s batting ranks are strengthened further by the return of Mal Agar and James Hughes.

The Division Two side host Congleton on Saturday with the Seconds going the other way, while Warrington’s Thirds and Fourths teams visit Chester Boughton Hall and Wilmslow Wayfarers respectively.

In the Alliance Division One, Appleton visit Tranmere Victoria, Stretton host Wistaston and Glazebury go to Westminster Park.

Rylands host Newbury in Division Two, while Lymm Oughtrington Park entertain Stockport Trinity in TACS Cricket League Division Two.