Oswestry’s new overseas signing, ‘Larry’ Samarakoon flies into Manchester tomorrow and is set to make his debut for the Border men when they take on Ombersley in the opening game of the Birmingham League Division 1 campaign this Saturday, at the Stonehouse Oval.

The 22-year-old Sri Lankan all-rounder, who is tipped for Test honours, impressed in the Surrey Championship with Camberley last season, picking up 33 wickets. He recently scored his maiden first-class century in domestic competition.

Samarakoon is likely to share the new ball with Glamorgan young quickie Roman Walker who has been out in Australia over the winter, and Wales Minor Counties fast medium bowler, Ben Roberts who has joined from Brymbo.

Another North Walian and former Brymbo player to join the Morda Road ranks is 18-year-old Connor Davies who is in his final year at Ellesmere College. Davies last year captained the Wales under-17 side and has already played Minor Counties cricket for Wales.

Oswestry have also recruited former county man Alex Huxley, who returns home after a three-year spell with Whitchurch against whom he hit an unbeaten half-century at the weekend in a pre-season friendly.

Batsman Mattie Richards from Sentinel and former Llanidloes left-arm seamer James Denman complete the close season signings.

Former skipper Robbie Clarke will be playing his cricket for Port Talbot this season in the South Wales League and is likely to be joined by left arm spinner Charlie Morris. Batsmen Josh Kirk and Alex Ramsay have left for Whitchurch and Shelton respectively.

New skipper Dean Suter has been pleased with pre-season preparations.

He said: “The boys have trained and practised hard in the nets, showing good commitment. There is a real buzz about the place.

“We have strengthened where necessary and I think we now have a nice balance to the side.”

Oswestry will be looking for runs from county men Warwick Fynn, Joe Carrasco and Walker who all scored heavily last season, and their new recruits. They also have a number of talented youngsters coming through, including Josh Darley and the highly rated Worcester Academy player, Xavier Clarke who will be available after school commitments.

But it is the bowling which is likely to carry fresh potency after Oswestry had too often last season failed to bowl sides out at the death which ultimately proved decisive in their quest to gain back-to back promotions.

“Larry, Roman and Ben will bring that extra pace to our attack and could surprise a few. We also have the experience of Ian Davies who continues to roll back the years and plenty of options in our spin attack.”

The popular glove man who has worked hard behind the scenes over the winter putting his side together, would not be drawn into any predictions for the forthcoming season.

Dean added: “There will be plenty of competition for places which can only be can be good for the club as a whole. It is important we get off to a good start, if possible, and don’t have to play catch-up. We are all ready for the challenge and raring to go.”