BRIGADE
- Captain: Andy Britton
- Overseas professional: None
- Players in: Gavin Roulston, Trent McKeegan, Ryan Macbeth, William Finlay.
- Players out: Ryan Barr, Cameron Melly, Josh Wilson.
- Young player to watch: James Smallwoods
We've saved the defending champions Brigade to the last of our North-West club previews, and the Beechgrove club haven't rested on their laurels after a Premiership title last time out.
Brigade looked destined for mid-table mediocrity approaching the halfway point of last season, before timing their run on the rails to perfection and collected their 16th top flight league title.
There have been a few changes in personnel with Irish youth international Gavin Roulston arriving from Bready, while their new-ball attack has been renewed with the arrival of Trent McKeegan from Newbuildings and Ryan Macbeth's return from NCU side Lisburn.
Heading out to pastures new are Josh Wilson (Newbuildings), Ryan Barr (Burndennett) and Cameron Melly (England). The loss of Melly is a severe one as the powerful middle-order hitter was certainly a point of difference player given his high strike rate, and a player not afraid to take the aerial route at times. William Finaly also comes into the club, but the points system means his appearances will be most likely limited to second XI cricket.
"We did incredibly well to turn our season around last year to win the Premiership," said slipper Andy Britton.
"There are a few quality additions to the squad this season and with that refresh I'd hope we will be challenging again on all fronts for major silverware."
Brigade's season gets underway on Saturday with a home match against Fox Lodge.
