ELTON Vale Cricket Club chairman Geoff Hall is relishing the prospect of league derby matches against Radcliffe.

The teams will meet for the first time in the summer now that Elton have transferred into the Central Lancashire Cricket League Championship.

Elton begin their CLL campaign at home to Middleton but it is the games at Radcliffe’s Racecourse ground on May 23 and again at Leigh Lane on July 26 which Hall is particularly looking forward to.

“We can’t wait to face Radcliffe,” said Hall.

“It will attract a lot of local interest as both teams’ firsts and seconds have never played in the same league before.”

Hall went onto explain why Elton pushed for a move away from the Bolton Association League.

“We were losing players at the junior levels to teams and we hope the move will convince some to stay through to the seniors. The chance to test our mettle against new teams is an exciting prospect too. We’re also relieved as this was our third application to the league in the last 12 years.”

There have been a number of key personnel changes at Elton during the off-season. Andy Donnelly makes the jump from second eleven captain to first team skipper, with his former position yet to be filled.

A hunt for a new professional is another priority for Hall.

“Chris Read was magnificent for us last year and we are looking for another professional to have a similar impact with bat and ball. It could be that we look for a young overseas player,” he said. “Alister Lowes was another key all-rounder we will need to replace – he has returned to Perth.”

Elton will start their indoor net sessions in the net sessions in February and are happy to look at players in all age groups.

The seniors, under-18s, u15s and u13s will be netting at Bury Grammar School 2-4pm on Sundays from February 22.

The under-9, u11s and u13s will net at the same venue on Tuesdays from 5.30pm until 7pm, starting on March 3.

Anyone interested in attending should contact Geoff Hall on 0161 797 9347 or 07957 759244.