COLWYN Bay have received a blow ahead of the new season with the news that Rumesh Buddika will not be returning to the club.

The overseas star is unable to re-join the Liverpool and District Premier Division side after being refused permission to sign from the Sri Lankan Cricket Board, with whom he has now signed a contract.

This is in view of a possible call-up to an international A tour ahead of the new campaign, and Bay are currently looking at alternatives although they confirmed that no deal had been struck as yet.

Buddika amassed 767 runs at an average of 42.6 from 21 innings at the crease, hitting four half centuries and producing a season’s best score of 107 against Bootle.

Another significant departure is Jordan Evans, who has decided not to continue at Penrhyn Avenue as travelling from his base in Arbroath is a commitment he no longer fulfil on a weekly basis.

One that has re-committed is batsman Pat Leach, who will be making the trip from South Wales and boasts a wealth of experience that is sure to play a huge contributing factor in any success that comes their way.

Squad mainstays Adam Campion, Zak Gidlow, Paul Jenkins and Ryan Holtby will all be looking to make their presence felt throughout the campaign, while Gareth Goodson and Will Higginson are set to continue to make an impact in their second season.

Sion Morris’ side begin their top-flight season with a home fixture against Leigh on Saturday, April 14, before travelling to championship hopefuls Ormskirk and hosting Wallasey to close out the month.