NEWTON will be striving to challenge for a first ever first division title in the Derbyshire and Cheshire Cricket League after strengthening their side.
The team, which finished fourth in 2021, is delighted with the capture of Orson Cummings, Rhys Downend and Chris Joy which they believe will significantly improve their side.
Cummings signs from current league champions Broadbottom and brings a wealth of experience, adding quality to the bowling as well as being one of the leading wicket takers in the top division for the past three seasons taking 120 wickets at an average of 10.65.
Downend arrives from childhood club Stayley and joins his brother Ben.
He scored almost 500 runs from 17 innings for Stayley in 2021 with a highest score of 106 not out. He can also bowl.
Joy, meanwhile, joins after helping Old Glossop gain promotion from division two. He is a young opening batsman full of confidence and last season scored 479 runs in 20 innings with a high score of 81.
Newton, who had won the Glossop League in the 1990s, begin their first-team campaign on Saturday, April 23 at home to Old Glossop.
The club runs three senior teams, two in the Derbyshire and Cheshire League with a third in the Greater Manchester Cricket League.
They have a popular junior section offering training for ages seven to 18.
Senior training during the season is on Tuesday 7.30pm- 8.30pm and on a Thursday 6.30pm-8pm.
Junior training for the Under-11, 13, 15 and 18 sides is on Tuesday 6.30pm-7.30pm.
All Stars (ages 5-8) and Dynamos (8-11) training will be confirmed soon.
Newton have also refurbished their clubhouse during the closed season and secured new net thanks to a £20,000 grant from the SUEZ Community Trust towards the £32,000 cost.