ALTON, as usual, face a tough opening game in their Southern Premier League campaign. They travel to Havant, the reigning Premier Division champions, this Saturday.

Alton are looking to build on their solid progress last season after a winter of busy preparation behind the scenes.

The upgrade of the showers in the Harry Baker Pavilion at Jubilee Fields by Alton Town Council has been well received and has been matched by hard work on the playing surface by the club and council in partnership.

Playing membership has been strengthened by the arrival of overseas player Sean Jamison, a fast bowler who plays for franchise Highveldt Lions and also provincial cricket for Gauteng in his native South Africa.

Dan Harris arrives to add firepower to the top of the order, having scored over 600 runs in the Northamptonshire Premier League last term.

They will both take their place in the SPL Premier this summer as the league embarks on a new initiative, using coloured clothing and white balls for the 50-overs games.

“We are really excited about the prospect of white ball cricket,” said Scott Myers who continues to lead the 1st XI and is targeting a top-half position in this very strong league. “It will be a new challenge for us and there is a real buzz around the club about it.”

Alton have secured sponsorship from Worldham Golf Club for their light and dark blue kit, which also brings benefits for cricket club members at the 18-hole course (membership and green fee information at www.worldhamgolfclub.co.uk).

Other sponsorship has been obtained from Esprit de Corps Crossfit (www.edccrossfit.com).

Steve Ball carries on as skipper of the 2nd XI who are back in the Southern Premier League, having been promoted to Division?Three after winning the Hampshire League County One last year.

Alton will be running the All-Stars cricket programme, developed by the ECB, and also organising coaching in schools through the Chance to Shine programme.

Alton CC always welcome new members. Visit www.altoncc.co.uk for more details.

Liphook & Ripsley, captained by Charles Janczur, welcome Ryan Covey back for their home match against Portsmouth in Division?One.

Ben Wish was hoping to have recovered from knee surgery in time to lead out Rowledge for the opening Division One match away to Bournemouth.

In the Surrey Championship, Farnham, again led by Tom Grimes, host Spencer at the Park this Saturday in their first Division?One match.

Farnham achieved a promotion double last season and Ian Thorpe’s second team move up a grade into the 2nd XI Premier Division, starting with an away match against Spencer II.

Churt, last season’s Division Five champions, host Horsley & Send in their opening Division Four game. Haslemere visit Old Emanuel in Division Five.

The Hampshire Cricket League also gets underway, with a full schedule of fixtures in the many divisions.