Both Billericay and Wickford Cricket Clubs stage historic occasions when they embark on their campaigns in the first season of the Shepherd Neame Essex League's Premier Division.

Both are among 10 clubs who have qualified for this trail-blazing competition which will see matches having early starts at 11.30am on Saturday. Teams will play 120 overs in all with the side batting first being at the crease no longer than 66.

There are other changes. Teams are no longer allowed to field overseas players unless they are aged 21 or under and under-17 fast bowlers will be protected from injury by being restricted to seven overs at one time - a gap of a further seven overs having to elapse before they join the attack again.

The change to the overseas rule has robbed Billericay who start the season at home to Saffron Walden, of the services of Australian Aaron Kellett and he is replaced by South African Barry De Goode, a left-arm spinner who has joined from Chelmsford, who missed out on Premier status.

Billericay will be boosted by the batting strength of new England under-16 star Damion Brandy, who has joined from Woodford wells.

On the bowling front, Steve Lerigo has moved away from the area due to work commitments, but Billericay have started the campaign well with one friendly and two League Cup successes.

Said Billericay's Gary Marshall: "I'm sure the Premier game is going to see teams have to show a far higher level of dedication in all directions.

"Batsmen will have to be going in to prepare themselves for perhaps a lengthy spell at the crease, but even the approach to matches will change.

"If you're going out to leave for a match as early as 8am in the morning, which will happen on occasions, players will have to look at beginning their preparations on the Friday nights."

Billericay will also have Essex all-rounder Danny Law, battling back from injury, in tomorrow's side, although he is unlikely to bowl.

Wickford, who host Shenfield at their Patmore Memorial Ground home, will be skippered in their Premier exploits by Jamie Wright.

Said club skipper Tony Beane: "I'm sure a lot of clubs are going to find this new format very strange to get used to at first, but we are very proud to be part of it and delighted to be starting with a home game against old local rivals.

Wickford have been able to keep their own South African import, Greg Ricketts, and have two outstanding Essex Under-17 players on the Premier scene - wicket-keeper and opening batsman Ian Letch and pace bowler Jamie West.

Wickford made a first round exit from the League Cup with defeat by Hutton.

Westcliff start their Division One campaign at home to Chelmsford and will be hoping to build-on last week's fine League Cup second round success at Chalkwell Park against Chingford in which Duncan Paveling hit a fine 73. Orsett visit Chingford.

The Old Boys have Stanford-le-Hope coming to Southchurch Park while Chalkwell Park sees Hornchurch as the visitors.

New look Benfleet host Harold Wood in Division Three with Jon Wright the skipper, while Basildon and Pitsea's visitors at Mospies Park are Ongar.

Southend go to Hutton, who have given early indication that they could be quite a force after beating Premier outfit Wickford.

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