KIDSGROVE, relegated to Division Two of the North Staffs and South Cheshire League last season, are looking to experienced duo Dave Leese and Andy Grice to revive their fortunes.

New captain Leese expects to have some of the county's finest youngsters at his disposal this summer – as well as the dependable Dave Follett as his vice-captain.

Follett spent last season helping Betley win promotion to Division One, but has now returned to Kidsgrove to assist Leese.

The new skipper said: "I am genuinely excited for the future of the club and to captain a talented and much younger team than we have had in previous years."

Grice has joined the club after spending the last two seasons coaching first-team cricket in the Liverpool Competition, as well as managing the league youth development programme.

Grice, pictured right, said: "I see many similarities between the young Formby first team I coached last season and this Kidsgrove side.

"We will be putting in one very serious practice session each week and players will be given their own improvement programmes to work on."

Kidsgrove have also announced the return of Mukesh Sharma as their overseas player for 2010.

The 26-year-old Indian left-arm spinner captured 24 wickets in an injury-curtailed 2008 season for Kidsgrove.

He has also scored two first-class tons in 24 games for Himachal Pradesh.

ANDY Palmer has been re-elected as Hem Heath captain for the forthcoming season, with Seb Lewis taking the second XI.

Liam Hughes will lead the Hem Heath Forsbrook first XI. Paul Hicken remains as club chairman.

THE Staffordshire Cricket Board's junior leagues group is hoping to run a basic scoring seminar for junior scorers on Wednesday, March 24, in Stafford (6.30pm).

The course will be conducted by John Brown, the Derbyshire County Cricket Club scorer, and will last for two-and-a-half hours.

There will be a nominal charge of £3 per head.

A basic umpiring course is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, also in Stafford (7.30pm).

To attend the courses, email jandrewfoster@hotmail.com before the end of the month.

ALFONSO Thomas, who helped both Longton and Audley to win the North Staffs and South Cheshire League Premier Division title, is one of five players to have their contracts terminated by the Durban-based South African side Dolphins.

The 33-year-old will continue his English career with Somerset this summer.