GRAPPENHALL Cricket Club are relishing the new season, which starts with a ‘derby’ opener against Warrington on Saturday.

After relegation last term from the Cheshire County Cricket League Premier Division, Grappers are looking for a strong start to the Division One campaign against their newly-promoted neighbours.

Grappenhall secretary Paul Tyerman says the mood at Broad Lane is one of anticipation, especially given the improvements at their Broad Lane ground.

“Enthusiasm is running sky high at the moment and there is real optimism for the season,” he said.

“There have been some significant changes at the club over the winter with a largely new committee leading the club.

“As well as our outfield works there has been investment into our facilities to freshen up the place.

“We are all looking forward to the new season and it will be good to get back to playing cricket at Broad Lane.”

Homegrown talent Adam Roylance will skipper the first XI, while they can also count on the services of Indian Ryan Ninan as their overseas player.

The spin-bowling all-rounder is set for his first taste of English cricket after gaining previous experience in Australia, as well as turning out for King’s XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.

Young wicket-keeping prospect Dan Osborne has also joined the club from Sale, while former Lancaster University first XI skipper Pete Barnes arrives after moving to live in Stockton Heath.

There is also plenty of excitement about the second and third teams, with Jack Critchley and David Seed taking over the reins respectively.

WARRINGTON fourths, 128 for 4, won their opening game at Kingsley, 127 for 8, by six wickets.

Jon Burgess, 2-19, and Nathan Jeffery, 2-21, were the pick of the bowlers, while Olly Fleetwood was top scorer with 36 not out.