THE prolific Warren Goodwin will once again spearhead Chester Boughton Hall’s assault on the Cheshire County League this summer.

Last season’s Premier Division player of the year warmed up for this Saturday’s curtain-raiser at Oulton Park by hitting an unbeaten 60 in a friendly at Cholmondeley at the weekend.

Goodwin was the talk of the Cheshire cricket scene last season, with his sensational run-making skills earning him an extended trial with Lancashire.

But opener Goodwin failed to win a permanent deal with the Red Rose county, meaning he will be free to act as vice-captain for Boughton Hall in 2011.

Club skipper Jim Gillson said: “Warren’s outstanding form in 2010 should have led him to a professional contract. But Lancashire’s loss is our gain.”

As well as facing Cholmondeley last weekend, Boughton Hall also took on Hyde in a friendly. New signing Jordan Clark showed his class with 73 as the Chester side made 316-5 (Ollie Law 103) before restricting Hyde to 217-6.

Right-hand bat Clark is a Lancashire scholar. The club’s overseas player will again be Trinidadian all-rounder Daron Cruickshank, back after a year away.

Hall travel to Little Budworth on Saturday to face an Oulton Park team skippered by bowler Robin Taylor.

Taylor has taken over from Nathan Dumelow, who has returned to his native Derbyshire along with run king Ben Spendlove.

The duo’s departure has been offset by the return of Daniel Leech and Craig Williamson, while Martin East has signed from Northwich.

Neston, who were fourth in 2010, host Toft this Saturday.