RADZINS HANDED HIS BIG CHANCE ON TOUGH JOURNEY TO WHITMORE

MEAKINS commence their bid for NSSCL Premier Division title redemption with a trip to Whitmore tomorrow.

James Menzies’ side saw a 54-point lead evaporate in the closing stages of last term as Porthill Park pipped them to top spot. They head to Whitmore with a new face among their side.

They are without star spinner Adnan Rasool overseas players are not permitted to play in the shortened season - which has offered an opportunity to teenage slow bowler Oliver Radzins.

Last year’s Division One champions Bagnall Norton begin their top-flight adventure with a trip to Ashcombe Park. Bagnall Norton will be hit by the absence of Asif Raza, which will put more of the bowling burden on veteran paceman Greg Willott. Ashcombe Park are under new leadership after Josh Johnson took over the reins from Nathan Ball. Burslem, back in the Premier Division at the first attempt, head to take on Checkley.

Burslem are another side with a new skipper following the appointment of Saad Qureshi to the top job.

Alex Mellor leads Leek for the first time as they host Stone SP at Highfield. Mellor has returned to the club after departing Warwickshire and has immediately been installed as first-team captain.

He is joined in the Moorlanders’ side by Alex Thomson, who is on the staff at Edgbaston. Moddershall & Oulton will parade a couple of highprofile new signings on their journey to Cheadle. Staffordshire duo Matt Morris and all-rounder Dan Richardson both signed on in the winter. Batsman Morris made a big impact on his minor counties bow last year, finishing with more than 500 Championship runs. He has made the switch from Westhoughton. Richardson, meanwhile, has opted for a new challenge with county skipper Sam Kelsall after previously playing for Leek.

He will fill the void left by Tom Hope’s departure to Longton.