Plenty of excitement at Market Deeping and Bourne as fierce rivals prepare to start the Lincs Premier Division cricket season with a derby at Outgang Road

Deeping can’t wait to see hard-hitting newcomer Zeeshan Manzoor attack their small boundaries, while Bourne hope the game is the start of a determined push for the title.

Bourne have signed quality all-rounder Ben Wright from Derbyshire Premier League side Elvaston and Zimbabwean Under 19 international fast bowler Brandon Diplock to their squad to give skipper Courtney Kruger a welcome selection headache.

Kruger said: “With the inclusion of the new players and a year’s more experience for those that were already here, I’m confident we have the depth this year to be right up there and win the league.

“The new arrivals will certainly cause a few selection problems. Brandon has played list A cricket for Mashonaland Eagles.

“I’m also expecting big things from batsman Sam Evison who threatened on a number of occasions to make big scores last season. I fancy him to be among the top run scorers in the league, while bowler Colin Cheer has worked hard on his fitness and I’ve never seen him in such good shape.

“He could have a massive impact for us this season.”

Deeping have more modest ambitions even with the presence of Manzoor who has previously played locally at Ketton and Oundle. The return of veteran slow bowler Meli Adatia and seamer Ali Sharpe is expected to help a young squad stay out of trouble.

Deeping captain James Hook said: “I expect Zeeshan will do well and we are all really looking forward to seeing him play. Finishing mid-table will be the target. We have such a young squad so having Ali and Meli return and Zeeshan arrive is very important to us.”

Lincoln Lindum won a shortened Lincs Premier Division campaign in 2020 after beating Bourne in a play-off semi-final.