Cricket: Watkins turns back the clock; New Brighton's 'new' skipper is the guiding light.

Byline: By DAVID JONES 

AFTER the controversy surrounding last season, New Brighton will be happy to get down to the job of playing cricket again.

Their troubled 2006 - poor start, resulting in a relegation battle - was compounded by allegations of selecting players who were ineligible.

It is understandable the Rake Lane club want to draw a line under it and look to the future. But, in effect, they have looked to the past for a figure who could bring stability after the turmoil. Tim Watkins.

The veteran, who led the club to three title successes in the Nineties, is back at the helm once more.

Being skipper will be just one aspect of his job this summer. After the gloom that hung over the club during the late summer and winter there's the task of lifting spirits and confidence - and being the link between the club's past and present.

Watkins is formerly captain at Huyton, and has brought three other players - Lawrence Wilson, Ashraf Nawab and Chris Whelan - from there. In addition, Jesse Ryder, a Kiwi batsman and medium pacer, has also joined.

"My job is to bridge the gap between the Huyton and New Brighton lads because I am the common denominator," said Watkins.

"There is a feeling of enthusiasm and I think the club is looking forward to this season after the trials and tribulations of last season.

"We had a pre-season selection committee and the vibes were very positive."

Watkins went on: "I know for a fact Mark (Burns) had had enough and I know they wanted an experienced hand on the tiller. I was approached but I took some time thinking about it, purely because of my loyalties to Huyton CC, where I have formed some good relationships.

"At the end of the season at Huyton's AGMI told people what was happening. I was very encouraged that they made the process a lot easier for me and Logsy (Lawrence Wilson). I am really pleased and grateful to Huyton for being so accommodating. I have left with good wishes."

Watkins, at Huyton for four seasons, added: "Since our situation was resolved in the league I have been looking forward to it and the playing situation has fallen into place nicely.

"Huyton are one of the visiting teams I will be looking forward to playing later in the season."

Tomorrow: Business Assistance (NW) Liverpool Competition ECB Premier League: Firwood Bootle v Wallasey; Hightown v Col-wyn Bay; Leigh v Huyton; Lytham v Ormskirk; Maghull vSouthport and Birkdale; New Brighton v Northern; St Helens Recs v Fleetwood Hesketh.

First Division: Formby v Northop Hall; Highfield v Orrell Red Triangle;

Liverpool v Wavertree; Newton le Willows v Southport Trinity; Prestatyn vSt Helens; Sefton Parkv Ainsdale; Wigan v Rainhill.

CAPTION(S):

BACK HOME: Tim Watkins has once again taken the reins at Rake Lane for the new Liverpool Competition season which begins tomorrow. He has spent the last four years at Huyton