North County are the only Premier side that have never been relegated. Last year that ended up fifth in the table - never really challenging for honours but equally never looking like they were in danger of relegation. Crucially they won five of their seven fixtures home fixtures. They also have a way of coming out on top in close encounters.

The overseas player this season is Malcom Notal [SA] who is a top order bat and left-arm spinner. Another useful addition is Sean Kingston, a seamer who hails from Australia. Other than that it is pretty much the same as last year with the main runs expected from Jamie Grassie, Eddie Richardson [both of whom scored over 500 in 2017], Niall McGovern and Nofal. Eddie Richardson will again be expected to perform with the ball, and along with Andrew Sheridan leads a potent pace attack. But the secret of NC success has always been the contributions down the side at crucial times.