A look at the opening day fixtures

Accrington v Ramsbottom

Accrington play their third game of a busy weekend as they begin their defence. Pro Ockert Erasmus has made an impact on the training field. Stuart Crabtree leads a team including Graham Lloyd.

Ramsbottom are much changed from last season with Steve Dearden and son Harry just two of several departures. Rob Read skippers a side that includes the ever dangerous Jon Fielding.

Donlan says: Accrington

Bacup v Enfield

New skipper Matt Thompson leads a Bacup side that is without the departed Joe McLuskie and Jack McGregor but stalwart Tim Farragher plays and former skipper David Warren is also back.

Pace bowler Ben Dowling returns to Enfield after his spell with Great Harwood and St Annes and Liam Bedford is also back at the club while classy Werner Coetsee has returned as professional.

Donlan says: Enfield

Haslingden v Burnley

Chris Holt makes his league debut as Burnley pro and skipper Bharat Tripathi can also call on former Gloucestershire and Glamorgan ace David Brown but Lancashire Colt Cole Hayman is unavailable.

New captain Phill Hayes has named a squad of 12 for the first league game of the season and former skipper Graham Knowles is very much part of that but pro Brenton Parchmant is having visa issues and Ashar Zaidi fills in.

Donlan says: Burnley

Lowerhouse v Church

New professional Cobus Pienaar takes his bow for Lowerhouse as Charlie Cottam bids to reclaim the title. Jonathan Finch is also back in the frame and named in a 13-man squad.

Craig Fergusson’s Church are close to full strength for the trip to the Neville Gee Recruitment Ground and wicketkeeper Sam Tucker should be fit despite an eye injury.

Donlan says: Lowerhouse

Nelson v East Lancashire

Neil Thompson fields a much-changed Nelson side as they begin their campaign minus a host of familiar faces but pace ace Sam Halstead is back in the Seedhill picture after returning from Ramsbottom.

East Lancashire have high hopes for their 150th anniversary season. Mark Bolton is back as captain and Chris Riley has returned to the club from Leigh. Ex-Edenfield quick bowler Shahrukh Khan is also in.

Donlan says: Nelson

Rishton v Rawtenstall

Rishton skipper Shaun Hutchinson leads what he hopes will be a settled side this time around and new pro Matt Hulett has already impressed while Abdu Biswoodall is a matchwinner.

Rawtenstall could be dark horses this time around and Keith Roscoe will once again begin a season needing three more five-wicket hauls for 100. Brett Pelser returns as professional.

Donlan says: Rawtenstall

Todmorden v Colne

The explosive pace of Aussie quick Michael Neser is unleashed on the Lancashire League as Todmorden kick off at home hoping for a season free of injuries after last year’s troubles.

Colne have troubles of a different kind but aim to put their off-field problems beind them. Andy Hakin could be key while another new man Tom Bradshaw is also capable of shining.

Donlan says: Todmorden