The Manx Cricket Season starts on Saturday with an opening match at Tromode where Cronkbourne, the 2013 Standard Bank champions, play the Rest of the Island.

This game is important, not only for local pride, but also as the Island selectors will be out in force. The squad for the European Championships is due to be announced shortly and some places are still to be decided.

Performances in this contest could make all the difference between a player going to England at the end of June or staying at home. The Cronkbourne team will have numerous contenders, but will be up against a very powerful side.

The Rest of the Island is captained by Phil Littlejohns from Peel and St John's. Also included are Garreth Roome, Jack Newbery (Castletown), Bruce Wagstaffe (Union Mills), Danny Kniveton (Crosby), Chris Hawke, Ollie Webster, Greg Hawke, Akkie van den Berg (Peel and St John's), Ewan Quayle, Matt Ogden (Finch Hill) and Ryan Windell (Valkyres).

The Standard Bank Premiership starts the following Saturday (May 3rd) with the evening leagues beginning two days later. There will be a six-a-side tournament in July and several junior tours will go ahead.

Also there are plans for a Manx Premier League to be played in August. This will be based on the format of the highly successful Indian Premier League.

The Island squad have been training all through the winter and head coach Phil Unsworth has brought new ideas to the workouts. It's going to be an exciting season.