DEPTH looks to be the watchword at Evenwood Cricket Club this year as the Durham Cricket League gets going.
The Gaunless Valley club has held onto the core of its first and second team squads and has bolstered its ranks with some new faces.
Crook opening bowler Andrew Robinson has signed alongside Andrew Rowell, from Blyth CC, who will strengthen the middle order.
Evergreen John Maughan will be joined by Jonathan Milroy, from Lands CC, to boost the second XI with its squad of youngsters another year older and wiser.
First teamer Faz Hussain has departed but Shaz Mahmood is staying on the back of a terrific 2017 campaign with 60 wickets and 500 runs.
Opening batsman Luke Bannister was confident the club could bring back some silverware to the Randolph Welfare Ground after a near miss in the cup last season.
He said: “We don’t know how strong the league is going to be this year as there aren’t as many pros about because of the clamp down (on visas).
“I think we’ll be up there in the top three or four with Dawdon, Littletown and Hylton.
“We’ve got a pretty healthy start to the season – we have proved we can do it, it’s just getting over that final hurdle.”
Owen Peddelty, Danny Wilkinson and all-round powerhouse Billy Teesdale have stayed at the club while 16-year-old Thomas Teesdale will be looking to turn his 15s and 20s into bigger scores.
Mr Bannister said the junior ranks had held onto most of last year’s recruits but he was on the look-out for more under 11s and under 13s to join and take up the game.
The first XI will open their season at home to Peterlee this Saturday with stumps pitched at 1.30pm.
