CRICKET sides across the region will finally get their respective seasons underway next weekend.

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that fixtures can resume from Saturday, July 25, which will see teams competing in North Wales put in specific area leagues to prevent long travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.

St Asaph face a daunting challenge on the opening day with a trip to North Wales Cricket League Premier Division champions Bangor on Saturday.

The title-winners were in ruthless mood last season, but with no overseas players registered this time around, it might level the playing field for the Saints.

This will be followed by a home encounter against Pwllheli on August 1 at Elwy Grove Park, and the following weekend will see Will Ryan’s side entertain another fancied outfit in Mena Bridge.

Two tricky away fixtures follow in consecutive weekends at Bethesda and Llandudno, and St Asaph rounds off the month with home ties against last season’s Division One champions Conwy and Mochdre.

A return game against Bangor is scheduled for September 5, and the Saints close out their shortened campaign with a trip to Pwllheli and a home game against Bethesda.

Prestatyn are facing a completely different proposition thanks to their involvement in the Liverpool and District Competition. They are only set to play twice this summer, with home and away fixtures against Northop Hall.

This is due to teams being within Cheshire and the North West, which doesn’t fall within the ECB’s travel guidelines.

Abergele will get their campaign underway with a trip to Ruthin on Saturday, before taking on Marchwiel and Wrexham, Connah’s Quay, Halkyn, Carmel and District, Buckley and Mold during the month of August.

Gele will play three times in September against Ruthin, Marchwiel and Wrexham and Carmel and District to round off their summer.