AFTER falling away to finish a disappointing fifth in the ECB Premier Division last season, Neston hope to make a genuine title bid when the Chapel Press Cheshire County League seasons opens on Saturday.

Again led by Aussie-born skipper Jack Smith, who broke the club runs record with 1,148 in 2009, Neston are boosted by the acquisitions of Australia-based batsman Brad Rasool, who plays in top Sydney grade cricket and Macclesfield paceman James Hawley. Not available in the line-up to host Chester Boughton Hall, however, is top teenage batsman David Hurst, now at Durham University, who has suffered major ankle damage. Wicket-keeper Steve Ogilby returns from Nantwich to boost Jim Gillson’s Chester squad.

Reigning champions Oulton Park, once more led by Cheshire all-rounder Nathan Dumelow, travel to promoted Bramhall with virtually an unchanged team, apart from left-hand opening batsman Danny Leech who has moved to Hyde.

Indian all-rounder Amit Uniyal, who has figured in Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals IPL franchise, reinforces an Oxton squad captained by Chris Davies for the visit to Alderley Edge, led by Jason Whittaker for the first time.

At home to Toft, Nantwich welcome back former New Zealand all-rounder Lou Vincent for a second season and look set for a title bid with several new acquisitions from Staffordshire cricket, plus former Chester paceman Ashley Shaw, who has signed a two year professional contract with Kent.

Led by ex-Northern batsman Carl Hey, Bowdon have home advantage against promoted Urmston and Hyde host Didsbury.

Operating in Division One for the first time, relegated Widnes travel to Irby with a top-line new overseas player in Aussie all-rounder Scott Hey, who has played for New South Wales 2nd XI. Irby have also secured a Sydney grader in 22 year-old Bill Passas.

Relegated Macclesfield take on promoted Middlewich, while Christleton go to Bollington heartened by the decision of outstanding Sri Lankan batsman Iroshan de Silva to remain at Little Heath. Skippered by the Lancashire Cricket Board’s new Performance Manager Steve Titchard, Grappenhall are at home to Poynton, while Upton go to Cheadle welcoming back teenage Kiwi George Earl, who made such an impression last summer.