LAURELVALE

• Captain: David Sinton
• Overseas professional: None
• Players in: None
• Players out: None
• Young player to watch: Jack Burns, John Speers.

It's a step up to Section One for Laurelvale, but a challenge the club is relishing as the campaign starts.

David Sinton captains the squad once again and it has been a very settled close season for the club, with no players in or out.

They have also opted not to engage the services of an overseas professional.

One young player to keep an eye on is Jack Burns, who is an opening bowler that took 26 wickets last year in his first full senior season. He has progressed very well over the last few years.

Another is John Speers, who is involved with the underage Knights squads. He is a promising batsman who bowls leg-spin. He will be looking to kick on again this year after his first full senior season in 2022.

"The squad are looking forward to challenging ourselves in Section One again after a few years in Section Two," captain David Sinton told CricketEurope.

"While we haven’t added anyone this winter, there are a number of players in the squad who haven’t played at this level for the club before and I feel this is a stronger squad than we have had in Section One before.

"Adnan Malik has been a great addition at the top of the batting order scoring runs at a quick rate and he will also take over as wicketkeeper this year.

"We have a good blend of youth and experience which will help throughout.

"We are aware of the step up in quality this year but this is what we have wanted and worked towards over the last few years and we are looking forward to competing at this level again."

Laurelvale kick off on Saturday with a home tie against Cregagh.