LIMAVADY

It has been a strange sort of winter for the Roesiders with the early part of the close season dominated by their ongoing appeal against Des Curry's 12-month ban and the fact that the left hander is available from the start of this campaign will now feel like an additional player to them.

The signing of Andy Britton from Fox Lodge was easily the biggest piece of business of the year so far and the strike bowler's inclusion sees Andrew Riddles' side start the season as favourites to regain the title they last won in 2009 when they tied with Strabane.

Britton apart the Limavady squad is buoyed by the re-appearance of several faces; Curry joined by his son, Dean, who left the Hunter Grounds to try his luck at Bready last time. Chris Moore seems ready to return too but it is believed that he will play only as a batsman while Zeeshan Malik's name also appears on their registration.

Malik played on Roeside in 2003/04 although notably not as a professional and it would appear that he is not being brought in, nor would be qualified to play as a professional this time either. Looking around the squad it would seem that the Pakistani, whose children were born in the UK, is being considered for his wicket-keeping prowess although should the move fall through, Thomas Riddles is likely to take the gloves.

Doubt remains over the level of Mark McDaid's involvement as well, �Sparky� apparently continuing to struggle with an ongoing injury, but Limavady still look to hold all the aces in the title race with a determined �Dekker� pulling the strings. Stuart Thompson, Ricky McDaid, Adam McDaid, skipper Riddles and the underrated Simon Dunn will also have a big role to play if they are to make their mark on the race but all are well up to the job.

Consistency remains the key for them but with normal luck they look set to be main contenders.