THE Cheshire County League will open their 2021 season with a full list of fixtures on Saturday, having been given the green light by the ECB to start on time.

Newly sponsored by engineering service providers RSK, first XI cricket will be played in three divisions, the Premiership starting at noon and lasting 110 overs, while play in the other two divisions will be of 100 overs.

All games will have a lengthened 30 minutes tea break which has to be taken outdoors as all pavilions must remain closed due to Covid-19 virus restrictions.

Oulton Park open with an attractive game against Timperley at Little Budworth.

Reigning Premiership champions Chester Boughton Hall entertain Oxton, the Wirral side boosted by Barbadian left arm spinner Damario Goodman, one of a squad of quality overseas players signed up.

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Fixtures:

Premier Division: Alderley Edge v Hyde; Cheadle v Neston; Chester v Oxton; Oulton Park v Timperley; Toft v Didsbury; Widnes v Nantwich.

Division One: Bramhall v Bollington; Congleton v Warrington; Davenham v Bowdon; Marple v Grappenhall; Sale v Macclelsfield; Urmston v Brooklands.

Division Two: Alvanley v Barrow; Haslington v Hale Barns; Lindow v Ashton on Mersey; Mobberley v Christleton; Stockport Georgians v Romiley; Upton v Stockport.

The archive picture we published recently of a Weaverham cricket team, reproduced again above, brought back lots of happy memories for the captain Phil Harris.

The players seen are, from left, back row, Max Frazer, Rob Dickinson, Neil Gerrard, Kevin Douglas, Darren Falland, Alex Stitch. Front, Kenny Roberts, Richard Goodier, Phil Harris, Neil Turley, Jon Turley.

Harris said: “We had a great team spirit with a nice blend of youth and experience.

“There was also considerable ability in the team in both the batting and bowling departments.

“You will see on the back row extreme left Max Fraser.

“Young Max came over to play for us from Australia and was, I believe, the first Australian cricketer to represent Weaverham Cricket Club second XI.

“He was a great lad and we were happy to have him. His brother Lucas played in our first team.

“Not too long after this photo was taken the team achieved a long awaited deserved promotion up the Cheshire cricket ladder.

“After that when the club joined the County League where our first team had some superb years some of the lads in this picture experienced County league cricket for the first time.

“Kevin Douglas in particular produced many excellent performances in our first team in the top level of Cheshire cricket.”