THE late arrival of Sri Lankan fast bowler Gayan Fernando could give a major boost to Oxton’s prospects of success in the ECB Premier Division of the Chapel Press Cheshire County League.

Chairman Gary Dixon, who also plays in the first XI, says Fernando is “pretty sharp and will make batsmen jump about” this summer.

The Sri Lankan leads the attack when Oxton host Hyde tomorrow, buoyed by an excellent win at Urmston last weekend when the batting of skipper Lee Dixon proved decisive.

Another Wirral side beginning to show up well with a high-scoring win against Didsbury, Neston travel to newly-promoted Grappenhall in confident mood with opening batsman Jack Smith in prime form with scores of 99 and 111 not out.

Much current interest is focused on Chester Boughton Hall who lead the table with four wins in as many games.

They travel to Macclesfield, who stage a pre-match ceremony when local MP Brian Ridley opens pavilion improvements.

TOMORROW ECB Premier Division: (12.30pm): Alderley Edge v Toft; Didsbury v Oulton Park; Grappenhall v Neston; Macclesfield v Chester Boughton Hall; Oxton v Hyde; Urmston v Nantwich. First Division: (1pm): Bollington v Cheadle Hulme; Bramhall v Irby; Cheadle v Bowdon; Christleton v Sale; Heaton Mersey v Marple; Widnes v Poynton. Second Division: (1pm): Brooklands v Tattenhall; Malpas v Upton; Stockport v Middlewich; Stockport Georgians v Bredbury; Timperley v Congleton; Warrington v Mobberley.

SUNDAY National Championship Second Round (1pm): Bamford Fieldhouse v Hyde; Fordhouses v Grappenhall; Nantwich v Walmlsy. Cheshire Cup Second Round (1.30pm): Ashton on Mersey v Timperley; Stockport v Poynton; Holmes Chapel v Marple; Bredbury v Ashley; Romiley v Bollington; Lindow v Hale Barns.