ALDERLEY Edge start the defence of their ECB Premier League title on Saturday.

They host promoted Grappenhall at Moss Lane at 12.30pm.

Tough new restrictions imposed by the Home Office mean far fewer overseas players will by on view in the Cheshire County Cricket League this year but Edge have added 24-year-old Australian Hamish Winter-Irving to their books.

And they look set to still have the services of Lancashire’s contracted player Jordan Clark at times this year too.

The 26-year-old, who scored 140 for Lancashire against Surrey at The Brit Oval on Saturday, has been registered with the league.

Alderley Edge’s second XI also kickstart their Premier Division campaign on Saturday with a trip to Tattenhall, 1pm stumps.

Meanwhile, Lindow have 25-year-old Australian Timothy Young on board as they start their second season in Cheshire County League Division Two at home to Brooklands, 1pm.

And in the same section Mobberley have recruited from overseas too, bringing in 23-year-old Australian Nicholas Butters prior to their opening clash at home to Cheadle Hulme.

Lindow’s seconds visit Bollington, while in the third XI Joseph Holt Brewery T20 Cup on Sunday Alderley Edge host Bramhall and Lindow visit Macclesfield in the opening group games.

A merger between the Cheshire Cricket League and the Cheshire Cricket Alliance has brought about divisional changes for clubs.

Wilmslow CC will entertain Ashley in Division Two in their opening game of the UKFast Cheshire Cricket League on Saturday.

Wilmslow Wayfarers, in Division Three, will be at home to Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge.

Styal will be away to Norbury CC, Stockport, in Division Five.