Darwen have a new captain with a familiar name as they begin their season at home to Kendal.

John Cordingley, is the new skipper at Birch Hall and he is ready for the start.

“I am really excited about the season,” he said. “We have a decent but young side with lots of good players.

“Last year in lots of games we came close to beating some very good sides.

“We are hoping that our young bowlers learn from that experience and if we can find that extra 20 per cent we can win a few games that were lost.”

Darwen’s professional for the season is Mohammad Zaman Khan.

Gareth Cordingley is taking a season off, while Neil Cordingley returns to Birch Hall from Whalley.