ALTON Cricket Club, as earlier reported in the Herald, pulled off a major close-season coup by signing Marco Marais, holder of the world record for the fastest first-class triple century, as their overseas player.

Scott Myers’ side start the Southern Premier League season with a home match against Bashley this Saturday.

In Division One, Liphook & Ripsley visit old foes Sarisbury. The probable unavailability of all-rounder Suman Ganguly, due to family commitments, is a big loss for Charles Janczur’s men, but on the plus side, they have vice-captain Sean Burton fit again after missing last season through injury.

Bournemouth and Andover are tipped to do well in an open division, while Liphook should be good for a top-four finish.

• Liphook travel to Sparsholt on Sunday in the first round of the National Village Cup.

• Rowledge, aiming for immediate promotion after relegation, are away to Paultons in their opening SPL Division?Two match.

Ben Wish continues as captain and although Rowledge will be without long-serving keeper/batsman Ian Metcalfe, they have seamer Richard Forbes and batsman Sam Moseley back in the side and a new overseas player in Fraser Wilson, from Sydney.