Bay boosted by the return of student Josh.

Byline: MIKE McEVOY

FORMER captain of Denbighshire Colts Josh Leach is set to make a rare appearance for second-placed Colwyn Bay at Northern today as the seasiders look to close the gap on runaway Premier Division leaders Bootle.

Leach, younger brother of Wales all-rounder and Cheshire county rugby ace Patrick, is now a student at Cardiff University and this is the first time he has been available for selection this season.

Skipper Graeme Jones said: "Josh is a very able young cricketer and he will add weight to our performance for sure."

Leach takes over the spot left vacant by the absence of young Jack Coates who has decided to put examination preparation first.

This will be the only switch in an otherwise unchanged Bay side for what Jones believes will be a stern test.

"Northern have so far performed below expectations, but they can be a very strong force on their day," he said.

"We could suffer if we let our concentration slip."

Pleased with last week's emphatic win over past champions Wallasey in a 24-6 points boost, Jones is still unhappy at his team's extremely fragile batting record.

"This is an area where we definitely need to up our game otherwise we'll find there could be another embarrassingly low score around the corner," he warned.

"We have stepped up our bowling and fielding levels very well and although everyone has worked hard in the nets to sort things out, batting is still our Achilles heel."

Team spirit and confidence nonetheless remain high as exemplified by the decision of recent signing Stuart Brandom to drive up from London last night so he can face Northern.

The Bay Seconds today face Maghull at Rhos-on-Sea.