St Annes CC 2026 preview: Young guns look to consolidate after promotion

After relegation in 2024, the Vernon Road club became the first winners of the Northern Premier Cricket League division two title 12 months ago.

However, they go into the new season after a winter rebuild and with a new skipper in Harry Birkman.

He explained: “Nathan Bolus, the captain last year, isn’t playing this year, his brother Mitch isn’t playing and Nathan Armstrong isn’t playing.

“Luke Jardine, who would still be playing, has had ankle surgery and is going to miss most of the season – if not the whole season, depending on how it goes.

“That’s a lot of experience we’re missing and it’d be nice to have the lads who had a successful year still with us.

“It would have made my job a little bit easier but it’s going to be nice to have some fresh faces and a new energy about the place.”

Pakistan first-class cricketer Zain Abbas comes in as professional this year, having represented Hetton Lyons CC last year.

He replaces Sammu Ashan, who had been lined up to play before his selection for a premier tournament in Sri Lanka meant that move fell through.

Saturday’s trip to Longridge in the NPCL 40 Over Cup group stage starts the season with Birkman relishing the year ahead.

He added: “It’s going to be an exciting journey for us. We’ve lost our experienced lads from last year but have made a few signings who are young, high quality and thought of highly at Lancashire and other clubs.

“Yes, it looks a young side and a bit inexperienced but it’s got some exciting players who are looking forward to the season.

“Obviously we’d like to compete as much as we can in the league, T20 and the cup but, realistically, with such a young side, I’d be happy with avoiding relegation and being able to compete.

“Finishing in the top half would be massive because it would give us a great boost and prove to the lads they are good enough to compete.”