CREWE CC launch their NSSC Division One campaign at likely strugglers Bignall End, this Saturday.

Hopes are high that new professional Irfanuddin will make it here in time to help them get off to a good start at Boon Hill.

The 22-year-old all-rounder arrives having represented his native Pakistan at Under 19 level with recent first class experience for National Bank, back home.

Crewe will want his off-spin claiming a wealth of wickets along with plenty of runs off the bat.

Matt Dawson captains the first team this year with hopes of youngsters Matt Dawson (vice captain) and Tom Gower producing the goods to repeat last season's fourth place finish or better.

Stafford follow at home on Saturday, April 23.

l Elworth CC will be targeting consolidation in their NSSC Premier campaign after the highs of 2004.

Popular professional Ian Mitchell returns with the club looking to build on last season's promotion via a tense play-off match against Barlaston.

Elworth laid out some cash to delay Mitchell's return and that paid off in that pivotal fixture and further success is likely to fall on his shoulders over the next five months.

The South African smashed over 1,000 runs last season while captain Dave Palin also weighed in with more than half that figure.

Veteran Jim Higgins proved a revelation with his spin and with Mitchell, should continue to be a big danger to Premier's top batsmen.

Elworth open at home to Betley, this Saturday.

l Back in Division One, Haslington CC have moved to cover the loss of influential pro Andre Percival

Former Hampshire all-rounder Simon Renshaw has been brought in to do just that and on experience should prove a fine addition.

The 31-year-old has moved his Minor Counties allegiance from Cheshire to Staffordshire for the new season and will be targeting some top all-round performances at this level.

Haslington begin the season at home to Wood Lane, this Saturday.

l After tense times in 2004, Weston CC will be eyeing happier days in NSD Senior A.

Title contenders prior, Weston ended up relegation candidates last season and only secured safety with victory on the final day of the season.

Professional Saad Wasim played a big part in their late revival and has been resigned to lead their charge for better things in 2005.

Paceman Stuart Fisher has been drafted in from Porthill to bolster Weston's attack while runs will be down to the likes of Mike Chester, Simon Pay and Adie Evans.

They start at home to Oulton on Saturday, April 23.

l Nantwich were another side to suffer a major shock of fortunes in 2004.

From runners-up in Cheshire County Cricket League's ECB Premier Division, they were embroiled with matters at the bottom of the table.

Last-ditch battles at Alderley Edge and Macc kept them afloat in the top flight and the Dabbers will want to restore order in 2005.

Chris Hampshire will captain the side targeting success on the field to match the brimming position off it.

Nantwich begin at Chester Broughton Hall on April 23.