Having skirted with the threat of relegation on occasions last season, YMCA emerged in a very creditable 4th position in the D1 league table. This year they will be hoping that their young team will be able to find something extra to put them in a position to challenge for the title. But as just about everyone has commented, the league looks very challenging and like every other team they will be looking over their shoulder.

Over the past few years YMCA have built up a strong youth section and this is proving its worth in providing a steady stream of cricketers through to the 1st XI. Skipper Jack Tector will need all the experience of Simi Singh and James Parkinson to bring on the younger players.

The team is well balanced with a solid batting line-up led by the Tector brothers, Singh and Oliver Gunning [although they will miss Tom Fisher opening the batting] and a varied bowling attack. From last season Parkinson, Bobby Gamble, Sam Streek and Padraic Flanagan can be expected to shoulder the bulk of the quick bowling duties with Singh together with Harry Tector leading the spin attack. But recruitment of all-rounder Jarred Barnes will also strengthen the side.