TOFT hope new recruits for next season can propel them up the Premier Division table in the Cheshire County League.

The Knutsford outfit have announced that runs-scoring wicket-keeper Pat Roberts will return to Booth’s Park next term after spending last season at Oulton Park.

He will combine playing duty with leading coaches in the club’s junior section.

Also coming back is overseas star Jake Hancock, who has represented Australia at U17s level, made six hundreds in his debut term.

“I think we can target the top six,” said chairman Nigel Muirhead.

“It was a close call to escape relegation on the final day of last season, especially when we found out on Twitter that we’d survived!”

Rising star Rob Jones, who has retained his place in Lancashire’s Academy for next season, hopes to be available to represent Toft again too.

The teenager remains on the radar of England selectors as well.

County league fixtures for the campaign’s opening round, on Saturday, April 20, were confirmed this week with Toft – again to be led by skipper Toby Drummond – scheduled to visit newly-promoted Bowdon.

Toft’s successful second string, who retained their ECB Premier Division title last term, target a hat-trick of first place finishes when they return to action.

Meanwhile the county league is seeking a new major sponsor.

Chapel Press has ended its four-years link to the county’s top competition, leaving a vacancy for next season.

Any individual, company or organisation that would like to offer financial backing should contact chairman David Humpage on 0161 432 4670.