DANNY Leech returned to Cheshire duty this week emboldened by an opportunity to repeat a success he savoured a decade ago.

He was part of a side that claimed the Minor Counties Championship title in 2007 before stepping down two years later when work commitments demanded more of his time.

That know-how, as well as the Oulton Park batsman’s impressive form over the past year, prompted captain Lee Dixon to give him a call.

As a result, the 36-year-old joined his teammates in Herefordshire on Sunday morning for their Western Division opener.

“Lee obviously wanted to bring back a bit of old school,” quipped Leech.

“The timing works out really well, and I made myself available for selection again a while ago.

“However as a batsman you still need to put the numbers on the board.

“They know what they’re getting, and they’ve asked me to spend time at the crease. I can do that.

“I’ve been there and done it, and I’m very proud to have the chance to go after that prize again.”

Leech, who played for Winnington Park earlier in his career, has been a fixture at Oulton Park for the past 15 years.

He has helped them to four Cheshire County League titles and a hat-trick of Cheshire Cup wins in that time, as well as a pair of league knockout successes.

They have played in Division One since being relegated in 2011, but that has proved no barrier to Leech’s county return.

His average in six county league innings this season is 53, while he racked up 833 runs during 20 games in 2016.

He said: “I’ve never once felt it was a closed shop, and that only guys with the top Premier Division clubs would get picked.

“It’s great for somebody in mid Cheshire to be recognised too.

“I love playing cricket here; the derbies are always closely-fought, and we’re lucky to have so many clubs playing at a decent standard of cricket.”

While he admits it is inevitable his thoughts will drift to the past as he contemplates playing again for Cheshire, Leech insists what happens next motivates him just as much.

He added: “There is a lot going through my mind, and it’s my job to manage that.

“I’ll try to savour it too, but what’s most important to me is that Cheshire do well.

"Even when I’ve not been part of it, I’ve followed from afar as a supporter.

"This is a very good side, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”