Hard-hitting Dunk will have plenty of amateur back-up

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ROYTON welcome back two important players in their bid to make an impact under new captain Denny Hulme.

Chris Hutchinson, the Perth-based all-rounder who scored over 800 runs and took more than 50 wickets two seasons ago, has returned as an overseas amateur.

And Ryan Carruthers, who rattled up over 600 runs in the same season, is back for another crack after spending a season at his home-town club, Cockermouth.

The contributions of this pair will be vital, as will that of new professional Ben Dunk, the hard-hitting Australian also expected to keep wicket.

Carruthers will open the batting with the promising Liam Mason, with Dunk at three, Hutchinson four and either Tony Walsh or Khurram Hussain at five.

All-rounder Liam Brown is expected to bat at six, with skipper Hulme following next and Craig Joy moving up and down the order to bid for quick runs when they are needed.

Matt Smith and Adam Good will open the bowling attack and will be supported by off-spinner Callum Porteous, Hutchinson and Brown.

Last year's skipper, Alan Durose, will only play if his heavy off-field commitments allow, while Chris McDonnell has joined Littleborough.

Although promotion to the Premier Division is the top priority, Hulme also plans an assault on Wood Cup and Twenty20 glory.

He said: "As I have said before, it might not be a bad thing for the younger players to be in this division this season as it should allow them to make their runs and take their wickets and get in that mentality before having a crack at the higher division.”