AFTER weeks of glorious spring sunshine local cricketers will be hoping for a continuation of the fine weather as the 2007 Jolly's Drinks Cornwall Cricket League gets underway on Saturday, writes Michael Weeks.

For Falmouth a new era begins with the visit to old rivals Truro. It was their final game washout against the city club last season was enough to end their relegation fears.

The new term sees a new era, however, with Duncan Ayres taking over the captaincy from Sean Hooper, who has moved back to his home town club of St Austell.

He has taken up a position as director of cricket at Wheal Eliza. It ends an association with Falmouth Cricket Club that goes back, off and on, over the past 24 years. He has held the post of captain for around eight seasons and was made a life-member of the club in recognition of his services along with Steve (Gnome) Young who has retired from playing after giving excellent service.

Ironically last season was one of Hooper's best with the bat as he finished third in the Premier League batting averages scoring 851 runs at an average of over 56.

Life moves on though and everyone at Trescobeas is looking forward to pulling together and providing the success on the field to reflect the huge progress achieved off the field in recent seasons.

For 2007, in addition to Hooper, the left arm pace bowler Matt Woods will not be available as he has completed his studies in the area. On the plus side, however, the Combined University of Cornwall have provided a couple of 20 year olds. Gordon Whorlow is a left-handed batsman while Harry Roberts is a right armed seamer. Spinner David Neville, following some speculation, remains at Trescobeas. Also joining the club is the talented former St Gluvias batsman Jonathan Udy.

That will be a blow to the Kernick Road club who only escaped relegation last year from County Division 1 after Ludgvan were denied promotion due to their ground not being deemed to be up to standard.

A new signing however is South African Tebogo Makinita. The 'Saints face a tough start being the first-ever club from West Cornwall to make the long trip to Bude for a league game.

Elsewhere Perranarworthal start in division two against old rivals Beacon while Wendron face a local derby at Falmouth Seconds. In division three Mawnan, having gained promotion, start at home to Perranporth, who have swopped back to the Western Section after a year in the East.

Porthleven, after being promoted, also have home advantage on the opening day with Mount Ambrose visiting.

In division four Stithians travel west to St Levan while Mullion start life at a higher level with a trip to Perranporth seconds. Constantine's first game in division five is at Wendron seconds while Helston, who narrowly missed out on promotion last year, start at Ludgvan seconds.