Tough start for Cleethorpes CC

CLEETHORPES Cricket Club face a tough start to their campaign with consecutive home games against the top three sides from last season's Yorkshire League.

Following their opening encounter with Yorkshire Academy, they face runners-up Scarborough and then champions York within the first fortnight of the season.

The club will need all the experience of Kiwi Test star Peter Fulton, whom the Kiwis have already revealed as their overseas professional player for the new season.

In the Yorkshire League Cup they travel to Doncaster on Sunday, May 9, while the National Knockout sees Cleethorpes entertain West Indian Cavaliers at Chichester Road on Sunday, May 16.

Cleethorpes defeated a strong West Indian Cavaliers side featuring a number of ex-first class players last September to take the club's Twenty20 trophy.

Cleethorpes 2nds open their 2010 season with the visit of Alkborough on April 17 while the 3rd XI travel to Nettleham 2nds on April 24 in their season opener.

The club's 4ths face Haxey 2nds at the Stamford Club on April 17th for their first fixture.

Following Cleethorpes Cricket Section AGM, James Osmond will once again Captain the 1st XI with Charlie Tomlinson appointed Vice-Captain. Paul Sunley takes over from Dan Tolson as 2nd XI Skipper as Cleethorpes will look to better last season's strong challenge in the Lincolnshire Premier League. Cricket Chairman Paul Hewstone will once again lead the 3rd XI in their defence of the Lincs' First Division and Bob Welton Cup. Kris Richardson replaces Kevin Blewitt to take command of the 4th XI for their Second Division campaign.

Preparations for the season are already underway with Senior nets being held at the Oasis Academy, Immingham, from 7.30-9pm.