DENBIGH skipper Harrison Jones is aiming high ahead of the new cricket season.

The Ystrad Road side begin their North Wales Cricket League Premier Division programme with a home clash versus Pwllheli on Saturday.

Looking ahead, Jones said: "We haven't got a pro this year again, but we are setting our high standards high and trying to get into the top half of the table.

"I felt last year we slightly under achieved even though we didn't have a pro.

"We have got a really good young squad with a few wise heads... so it's a good mix."

Preparations for the campaign have gone well and the Denbigh captain added: "We had a decent pre-season and on Saturday we beat Northop Hall in a warm-up match, which has given us some confidence ready for the opening game against Pwllheli.

"It will be nice to show teams this year we are a hard team to beat and we are capable of beating any side in the league.

"We will have to see how it goes, but you've always got to set your standards high and with the players we have, I believe we can do that."

St Asaph have received a considerable boost with the news that overseas star Nathanael Scott has agreed to return for the upcoming season.

The talented wicket-keeper / batsman has played a leading role for the Premier Division side throughout the last two campaigns and Scott resisted a number of different offers from elsewhere to remain part of the city side’s set-up.

Scott has played a total of 42 games during his two seasons with Will Ryan’s men and has amassed no fewer than 1,561 runs at an average of 45.91.

This included a sensational 54 average last term from 20 innings at the crease, with an unbeaten 120 in their loss at Connah’s Quay emerging as the standout knock.

Scott is also a considerable asset behind the stumps after taking 27 catches and securing seven stumpings since joining the club.

St Asaph captain Will Ryan said: “It’s great being able to have Nathanael back after such a good year for him last season.

“I think it’s a big plus that he knows the pitches and conditions and can hopefully replicate if not better last season.

"His keeping has improved a lot since he started last season.”

St Asaph will begin their season with a trip to Llandudno on Saturday.