COLWYN Bay captain Sion Morris is hoping for a big season from his squad as they begin their Liverpool and District Cricket League Premier Division campaign this weekend.

The Penrhyn Avenue side open their top-flight season at Lytham on Saturday, with the club looking to further establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in one of the most competitive leagues anywhere in the country.

The Bay have secured a notable signing during the off-season in the form of all-rounder Ryan Westwell, who joins after a number of fine seasons at nearby rivals Prestatyn.

Westwell amassed 841 top order runs for the Beach Close outfit in Division One last summer at an average of 36.57 and scored a superb 5,808 runs during an 11-season spell with the club.

Another notable re-signing is Pat Leach, a talented batsman who is currently experiencing complications with a knee injury that has left his status for the early stages of the campaign uncertain.

The likes of Adam Campion and veteran spinner Paul Jenkins are others that are expected to contribute heavily, with Saliya Saman arriving at the club as their new overseas player.

The 33-year-old Sri Lankan replaces Dimeth Hewathanthree in the line-up and boasts a wealth of experience across the globe.

He is a former youth international at U19 and U17 level, and he has represented Basnahira North, Galle Cricket Club, Kandurata, Lankan Cricket Club and Ragama Cricket Club during a standout career to date.

Morris, said: “Ryan has displayed a fantastic attitude in pre-season so we’re hoping he does well for us.

“The objective of the season is to win as many games as possible. It’s a hugely difficult league so getting as many wins as early as possible is important.”

Bay’s second unit begin life in the Liverpool and District 2nd XI Premier Division after securing promotion last term, with Morris identifying Arran Sen, Matt Russell and Sam Bright as three young players to keep an eye on.