CRICKET sides from across the region are gearing up for the start of the new season this weekend.

Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Llanrwst, Mochdre and Conwy are all expected to give a good account of themselves in their respective leagues, with some even hoping for promotion and silverware once the summer’s fixtures have concluded.

Despite losing overseas star Rumesh Buddika and Jordan Evans, Sion Morris’ Bay side will once again be one of the strongest teams operating within the highly competitive Liverpool and District Cricket League Premier Division.

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.

Bay begin their top-flight season at championship hopefuls Ormskirk on Saturday, before hosting Wallasey in their first home fixture the following weekend.

North Wales Cricket League Premier Division side Llandudno have made two key acquisitions that have given them a strong chance of claiming a title they last won in 2016.

Jack Rommington remains at the helm at The Oval once again, and the return of brother Sam from a stint in Australia is set to provide a significant boost at the top of the batting order.

A notable absentee will be overseas player Robin Smith, who has pursued an opportunity in the United States, but they moved swiftly to acquire wicketkeeper batsman Keegan Armstrong ahead of their trip to title rivals St Asaph on Saturday.

Rimmington, said: "We will go out and try to win every match, as we always do. Before the first delivery is bowled, we go into a fixture full of confidence and knowing that if we play our best cricket, we can win that game.

“We do need to be realistic. This will be the most competitive Premier League since the league began and any one from seven can win it.”

Llanrwst will have promotion from the second tier on their minds as they head into their opening day visit to Mold, and there is plenty of talent within their squad to ensure that they will be more than a match for any team on their day.

It was a season of disappointment for the Rwsters last term, but the majority of the squad has remained intact which will be a huge plus going forward.

Mochdre are another that will be looking to bounce back at the first opportunity, although talented batsman Duncan Midgley has left the club and signed for St Asaph.

Matty Humphreys will be looking to lead a talented group back to the promised land, and they open their fixtures at home to Conwy in what is expected to be a closely fought derby encounter.

Conwy have lost two influential figures to Colwyn Bay, but they have a lot of young talent within their ranks which will make them a very dangerous proposition in the weeks to come.