THE 2015 Readers Scarborough Beckett Cricket League season gets under way on Saturday, May 2.

Staxton start the defence of their premier division title with a home fixture against last season’s runners-up Heslerton.

Boosted by the signing of left-handed batsman Dave Morris from Forge Valley, the nine-time champions appear to be the team to beat.

Captain Nick Gibson will once again lead a strong, balanced side, which still includes elegant batsman Chris Dove, who scored 572 runs last season. Spin duo Elliott Cooper and Linden Gray remain, but they have lost left-arm swing bowler Adrian Long, who has returned to Sewerby despite claiming 25 wickets in his first season.

Heslerton will have a new look about them under newly-elected skipper Adam Spaven, having lost some key players who played significant roles in their recent renaissance.

Opening batsman Alex Carrie and left-arm pace bowler Kristian Wilkinson have both joined Scarborough, while former captain Anthony Stones left during the latter half of 2014 to move to Flixton.

Spaven will be delighted with the return of Ian Dade from Malton, and the triple signing of young Sherburn all-rounder Stuart Pickard, Richard Bentley of Durham Leaguers Murton and spinner Dan Jeminson, from Kirkbymoorside, the league’s leading wicket-taker last season with 46 victims. Jeminson will form an exciting slow bowling partnership with Tom Benthall, who snapped up 34 wickets last campaign.

Forge Valley finished third last season, but the loss of Dave Morris to champions Staxton and Tom Bumby to York League side Malton could be significant blows.

The East Ayton-based side begin at home to Flixton 2nds.

Flixton’s youngsters will once again be led by tall fast bowler Mark Shackley. Left-arm pace bowler Lee Elvidge enjoyed a good 2014, claiming 26 wickets, and Kyle Scaife had a fine year behind the stumps.

Staithes, face a difficult opener at Cayton, a side that impressed many observers during 2014.

The two newly-promoted teams will be eager to make an early impression. Division ‘A’ champions Scalby make their first appearance in the top flight since 1999 with a home fixture against Filey.

Fellow newcomers Nawton Grange, skippered by Jonny Pickard, who won the division ‘A’ batting merit award last season, travel to Ebberston, who lost leading player Matthew Turnbull to York Senior League side Easingwold.

Grange will be hoping for regular outings by former Yorkshire bowler Nick Thornicroft and that left-arm spinner Dean Coote and Matt Wearmouth find early season form.