PRESTWICH will be looking to improve on last year’s fourth place finish when they start their Lancashire County League campaign at home to Denton next weekend.

Joining the Heys Road outfit is new professional Martin Walters, who takes over the role from Carl Hey.

The first class pro cricketer, who is contracted to the Border province in the South African set up, is no stranger to the UK having previously played for Horwich in the Bolton League and Lullington Park in the Derbyshire Premier League.

Walters, who has a good record with the bat and also bowls off-spin, recently helped Border to victory at Bloemfontein in the 50-over cup final in the last game of the 2015 first class season.

The club have retained the services of South African overseas player Ryan Stanbury and welcome back Wilf Reeve following his year out.

"The general feeling last year was one of under-achievement," said new captain Andrew Bradley.

"We beat the three teams that finished above us but lost games against others that we were more than capable of winning on paper.

"The start of the 2015 season will have a strange feel to it as none of us have ever played a season without club stalwart Steve Orrell."

Orrell retired at the end of last season as the clubs highest-ever run scorer.

Prestwich host Denton on April 25, 1pm start.