Hartlepool and Seaton start new North Yorkshire South Durham (NYSD) ECB Premier League season

Hartlepool CC v Seaton Carew CC at Park Drive last season.

There have been a number of changes at Park Drive for the new season with former Durham player James Lowe joining the club

The opening batsman and off spinner was the professional player at Middlesbrough last season and replaces Sri Lankan Harsha Vithana as Pool’s pro this term.

Lowe will also take on coaching role particularly with the club’s junior players.

Bowler Doug Mulholland continues as club captain but Pool have lost two experienced players in Neil Coverdale and Jonathan Rickard, both joining Thornaby.

However, all-rounder Joe Clarkson has come the other way and medium quick bowler Stuart Christon has joined from Thirsk.

Two old faces have returned from abroad, Tyla Temple and Will Boyd who have been in New Zealand and the club is delighted to welcome them back.

Club spokesman Michael Gough said: “The league is very competitive, all 12 teams in the league are pretty good.

“Great Ayton won the league last season and will probably be favourites and Richmond are one to watch too.

“Of course, we renew our local rivalry with Seaton Carew. They finished one place above us in ninth last season, so we will be looking hopfully to at least finish above them this time around.”

Hartlepool host Seaton Carew in the first derby on Saturday, June 16

l Seaton Carew host Marske at Hornby Park (12.30pm) and will be starting their fifth season in the NYSD ECB Premier League.

The side finished just below mid table last season and are looking to challenge up the table this time out under the captaincy of Paul Braithwaite.

The club have re-signed overseas professional Usman Arshad who has displayed his all round ability over the last two seasons, while adding prolific all-rounder Neil Whitworth to the side who has made the move from Division 1 side Blackhall.

The club’s Second XI won the Division 4 title last season and are looking to push towards the top end of the Division 3 table.

The club says they have young talent leading the way having shone in the ever-developing 3XI, ably supported by an experienced head in the form of Gareth Spence who led the 1XI to the NYSD top flight for the first time in the club’s long history.