NEW Chester Boughton Hall skipper Steve Ogilby wants his side to make a flying start to the campaign.

Boughton Hall get their Cheshire County League Premier Division programme under way at Urmston on April 21.

Encounters against Toft, Didsbury and Alderley Edge follow before last season’s runners-up make the short trip to Whitehouse Lane to take on defending champions Nantwich.

Ogilby, who took over the Boughton Hall captaincy after Jim Gillson emigrated to New Zealand, said: “With having a huge game away against Nantwich on May 19, I want the players to get into the winning groove early.

“Our aim is to win our first four games to take maximum confidence into the Nantwich game and boost our chances of taking the 25 points.

“We are hoping for a bit of luck with the weather when we go to the notoriously damp grounds of Urmston and Didsbury, but if the weather holds out then I am confident the team can take 25 points from each.”

Ogilby has strengthened his squad with the arrival of Cheshire batsman Lee Dixon, all-rounder Mark Rowland and wicket-keeper Matthew Griffiths from Oxton. Upton captain and opening bowler Ian Linwood is another notable arrival.

Boughton Hall will host Cheshire’s Minor Counties Championship three-day clash against Herefordshire from August 19-21.

The Filkins Lane ground will also be the venue for a three-day friendly between Lancashire 2nds and Scotland A from June 26-28.

Neston have appointed their highly rated young batsman David Hurst as their new captain.

The Cheshire County League Premier Division outfit had taken the unusual step of advertising externally to find a replacement for Andy Roberts.

Hurst, who is currently playing grade cricket in Perth, Western Australia for Swan Athletic, will have to do without James Hawley this season after the fast bowler signed for Didsbury.

Lancashire 2nds will take on Nottinghamshire 2nds at Neston’s Parkgate home on June 5 in the 2nd XI Twenty20 Cup.