Lytham CC 2026 preview: NPCL new boys look forward to the challenge ahead
Ryan Norris is fascinated by the task ahead as Lytham CC launch a new era when their 2026 season starts on Saturday.
The Church Road club, along with Whalley, are one of two new teams in the Northern Premier Cricket League this season.
Both have been placed in division two, with Lytham having made the move over from the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition.
Lytham’s captain said: “We’ve found attracting players was an issue over the last few years.
“We feel, with the Northern League format, a lot of players were interested in that and weren’t interested in going to the Liverpool Competition.
“Also, with the future of the club, we recognised that a lot of the juniors were playing against St Annes, Fleetwood and Blackpool but they wouldn’t have that chance at senior level.
“The travel is also reduced. I know we have to go to Barrow this year but going to places like Colwyn Bay, that’s a good 90 minutes, so we have a lot more local games.”
St Annes’ promotion to division one means there isn’t a league derby this year, though they do meet in the 40 Over Cup on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25.
Seven games come before then, starting with Saturday’s home 40 Over Cup match against Kendal: last year’s division one champions.
“We’re intrigued by the standard,” said Norris, who can call on Australian Archie Banks-Smith as the overseas amateur with a professional due to be named before the weekend.
“It couldn’t be a harder first game but I think it will be a good test for us, we aren’t here to make up the numbers; we’re here to give a good account of ourselves.
“I played at South Shore in my younger years, so I know some of the players we’ll be up against.
“We’ve got the likes of Ed Fiddler and Josh Holden who have played at that level, so their knowledge of certain grounds and certain players will be valuable.
“I’ve done a lot of research as well and there are a lot of good cricketers in the Northern League.”