The 2nd XI host Bablake on Saturday, with captain Jamie Hughes looking to start the season with back to back victories, following an impressive win at Leamington last weekend.

In a low scoring game Hughes’ charges managed to skittle Leamington for 68, after only making 80 ourselves.

A typical early season low scoring affair then, which was one of only two games played in the Division with everyone else falling to the recent bad weather.

‘Hughesy’ was upbeat looking ahead to this weeks fixture “It was a great win last week at Leamington, the boys really showed some character, we dug in and got it done. Now we go again this week at home to Bablake, lets hope we can secure back to back wins, which would be a fantastic start to the season."

Hughes will be looking to bowlers Tom O’Donnell and Jeet Varaich to continue where they off from last week, with both bowlers taking 4 wickets.

K&DCC's 3rd XI also get their campaign started on Saturday, by hosting newly promoted Coleshill 1st XI at Lugtrout Lane.

Sunday: K&DCC 1st XI vs Newcastle and Hartshill C.C. (Venue: Station Road) – National Knockout – 1pm start

The 1st XI play their first game of the season this week, somewhat unusually opening with a National Knockout fixture.

With the Birmingham League delaying the start of the campaign due to the inclement weather conditions, we find ourselves opening the season on a Sunday.

Following an impressive 1st round victory at Walsall CC last week Newcastle and Hartshill will certainly provide a stern test for new 1st team captain James Middleton and his players.

The new skipper welcomes debutants Dave Ball and Neil Pinner to the side, but is without Olly Currill and Jamie Harrison who both are on minor counties duty. Fans’ favourite Chris Cheslin is also selected to play.

James said earlier this week "Its exciting to finally get to play some cricket, its been a long winter. I personally love the National Knockout, it gives us the chance to play against new clubs and players that we haven't seen before. Hopefully we get some good weather, and a good crowd at Station Road, which obviously always helps us."

K&DCC’s Women’s 1s XI also begin their season on Sunday, with a trip to Astwood Bank away.

With two games at home this weekend to look forward to, we hope to see as many spectators supporting the teams as possible.

The bar at Station Road opens at 12pm both days.

Go well teams!

Rob Plaister - 25th April