LLANDUDNO captain Jack Rimmington has declared his side raring to go ahead of the new cricket season.

The former North Wales League Premier Division champions will be looking to regain the title they lost last year to Bangor, and the skipper is bullish about his side’s chances of improving on their fifth-place finish last term.

Rimmington, said: "I have spoken to the vast majority of the lads over the winter and they are all keen to get going again. They have all stated that they will be returning to The Lions for 2018 which is positive news.

“There is no denying we have tried to add to our squad for this coming season, however, as of yet we have been unsuccessful in adding any new names. There are still a couple of months to go until the season kicks off so this could change, but as it stands, we go with what we have."

One notable absentee from the line-up will be overseas star Robin Smith, who will not be returning to The Oval after being accepted to Oklahoma University in the United States of America.

Wicketkeeper batsman Keegan Armstrong will be taking his place throughout the summer, and The Lions also received another welcome boost with the news that Sam Rimmington has re-signed with the club.

They will begin their campaign with a tricky looking trip to St Asaph on Saturday, April 21, with Will Ryan’s side looking to emulate their achievements last season which saw them emerge as the league’s surprise package.

"It is normally an exciting part of the build up to a new season, seeing where and when you face people,” added Rimmington.

“It is not the easiest start to the season, travelling to one of the title favourites, but you have to play everyone home and away so it doesn't really make a difference when you play them.

“You just have to ensure you work hard through the winter and go into every match as best prepared as possible.

"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.”