WELLINGTON have a difficult opening game at home to Weston super Mare in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League on Saturday (1.00).

Their opponents are looking for a quick return to Premier Two after being relegated at the end of last summer.

Wellington, who just avoided relegation themselves last season, will again be captained by 27-year-old batsman Alex Sparks who starts his fourth successive season as skipper.

He said yesterday: “We have a young side and we lacked consistency last season.

“We would win a game and then lose the following week. We’re looking this season to make a good start and to win two or three of our opening games.

“We know that this season it is going to be a very competitive league. But I think last season was a learning curve for some of the lads and they will have learnt a lot.

“We certainly don’t want to be struggling early on. But there will be no easy games.”

Australian top order batsman Kayden Hine Wellington’s new overseas’ player and he has already looked the part, scoring 75 in his first innings for the club in a friendly against North Curry.

“He faces a big change in conditions compared to Australia,” added Sparks. “However, he looks like the type of player who will adapt quickly. He looks a very solid performer.”

Mark Bray, a middle-order batsman, has also joined Wellington after playing last season for Seaton. He looks like strengthening the first team’s batting.

The Somerset and West Somerset Leagues also have a full programme of matches this weekend.

Wellington have a big weekend of first team cricket the following weekend. They play away to Staplegrove in a league game on the Saturday and follow this by playing in the National 20/20 Competition with games against Taunton Deane and Minehead at the Playing Field on the Sunday.