At the recent annual meeting the entire committee, headed by long-term president Mick Stinson, were re-elected in a show of support.

Wingham will again enter three sides in the expanded competition with the inaugural premier league (1sts) team being captained by Ben Scowen.

Scowen replaces Matt Essery, who led the side for the past two seasons.

Scowen enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 season, his first in Wingham, culminating in him being named the team player of the year.

Scowen expressed his desire to implement a number of initiatives aimed at increasing professionalism within the playing group, including improved fielding.

He indicated that a number of the clubs younger players will be exposed to the better level of cricket on offer in Premier League.

Former Wingham juniors, Ben Cole and David Rees, have returned to the club from Old Bar, who failed to enter a premier league side. They will help to off-set the loss of leading wicket-taker, Ryan Williams, who has transferred to Taree West. All-rounder Josh Davis may also be an absentee, along with Grahame Stinson.

Scowen’s season began on Saturday when he represented a North Coast X1in a trial match against Sydney’s Western Suburbs at Port Macquarie.

Scowen scored 36 batting at number three, helping the side to a two wicket victory over Wests.

The Premier League side will play their first match against Kempsey at Wauchope on October 7.

Second grade will be led by Jake Mullen, who takes over from Dennis Smith.

Mullen should have a strong side at his disposal with brother Jackson, Smith and Jy Kleindeinst the leading batters whilst Steve Allwood, Brody Guppy and Dean Whitlam head the bowling attack.

Scott Blanch hands over leadership of Thirds to Jade Stace who will have many selection headaches throughout the season.

Training is in full swing at the Cedar Party nets on Thursday evenings where further improvements to the facilities were carried out over the off-season with the connection of power to the nets, allowing the bowling machine to be fully utilized this season.

Plans have also been finalized for the construction of the club rooms with quotes and submissions before the determining authorities.