WESTON have got off to an early start to their preparations for the 2007 season by signing Raj Kumar as a professional.

The signing of a pedigree player comes in the shape of Kumar, who holds the North Staffs and South Cheshire League batting record when he averaged 102.17 playing for Caverswall in the Premier Division in 2000 - beating the previous record set by Sir Gary Sobers.

It is a major coup for the Division Two outfit, who will be gunning for promotion next term. Kumar will also coach the club's U13 and U15 sides.

Gary Jennison has been named as first team captain, with Martin Stockton skippering the 2nds Team. The 3rds and 4ths, will be led on Sundays by Andy Hopper and Steve Neale respectively. Andy Young will captain the Phoenix Midweek League team.

Four junior teams will play in South Cheshire Junior League, at U9, U11, U13 and U15 level. Senior and junior players are required for next season. For further details visit www.westoncc.playcricket.com, or call Dave Allcock (01270 820931) or Alan Holdcroft (01270 588782).