LEIGH Cricket Club are busy preparing for the new season.

Mattie McKiernan is acting as captain elect subject to formal ratification at the section’s annual meeting on Tuesday (Dec 11). He said: “I am eagerly anticipating the challenge of being first XI captain and look forward to helping to take the club forward.

“Even in the close season it is exciting times as we look to strengthen our squad to challenge in the competitive ECB Liverpool & District Cricket Competition Premier League, as well as our own league cup competition and the prestigious Lancashire Cup.

“I would hope to be able to announce some signings in the near future and I’m sure that will signal our intent for the forthcomingseason.”

Leigh continue to seek to add to the squads at second and third string levels too.

The club have been monitoring progress of their players overseas.

Tasmanian Jon Wells, who was Leigh’s overseas player last season, has taken his form back home and has a batting average for his club of almost 100.

Added to that he has scored 54, 83, 9 not out, 101, 41 and 96 for Tasmania second XI and 41 against Queensland at Hobart in his only appearance for Tasmania first XI this season.

Leigh continue to negotiate his return next season and officials he is looking forward to coming back to Beech Walk.

Steven Mullaney is also playing in Australia, in the grade cricket competition in Melbourne.

In nine innings he has amassed 237 runs with a highest score of 87 at an average of 34 as well as picking up eight wickets at an average of 23.

Junior cricketers were in Asda on Saturday helping customers to pack their bags.

Club representative Dave Dove said: “As well as promoting Leigh cricket Club, it was also a fundraising event to help ensure that we can maintain and develop the equipment and facilities that are provided to 50 to 80 children every Friday night at cricket training during the summer and to ensure that Leigh Cricket Club can continue to build on the 20 qualified cricket coaches who devote their time voluntarily for the community around Pennington and Leigh.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about Leigh Cricket Club on Beech Walk, whether it be the cricket facilities, tennis courts, bowls green or function room, can pop into the club, visit leighcc.org or call 01942 671818.