Foster's Durham Senior League: THE League will have new champions come September, after last summer's title-winners Hetton Lyons moved to the Premier League. But to compensate for their loss, Philadelphia will be looking to make an impression on their return.

One of the League's founder members, Phili have had some movement among their squad at Bunker Hill.

Brett Pelser has moved to Burnmoor and Jeff Laws to Eppleton. Bowler Ian Potter has retired.

On the plus side there has been an influx of new players. Marc Hopkinson, Graham Hoban and Des Beach have all joined from Hetton Lyons, while former Lyons and Murton player David Naunton has signed.

Wicket-keeper Phil Empson resumes after being sidelined last summer with a back problem and promising youngster Karl Bellerby moves from Boldon CA. Stephen Robinson, who was at Leadgate last summer, has returned.

The 2005 runners-up Whitburn expect to have the same squad of players that served them so well. Professional Ashley Thorpe begins his third season with the Villagers who have hopes that youngster Michael Turns will establish himself in their senior ranks.

Boldon have added Graham Wright to their batting line-up. The hard-hitting Wright has moved from Felling where he captained the team last season. There is also a new professional as Masood Mirza takes over from West Indian Orlanzo Jackson.

The much-travelled Mirza has Leadgate, Tynemouth, Kimblesworth, Felling and Tynedale among his former clubs. His off-spin bowling and early-order batting will enhance Boldon's chances of taking their first title since 1959.

Felling's loss of Wright is further compounded with the uncertainty of Darryl Warden's availability. They are still searching for a suitable player/coach and anyone interested in the position should contact Neil Young on 0191 438 4024. Club stalwart Chris Pleasance will turn out depending on fitness.

Eppleton will have a new professional. Sean Ezzard, after an excellent batting season is unable to return and is likely to be replaced by a South African.

Leading Senior League batsman Jimmy Daley plays again and Jeff Laws will keep wicket. Matthew Jane has moved to Washington.

Australians Michael Fishwick and Lindsay Cullen are back at South Shields. Cullen ended a good season Down Under with an unbeaten 112 and Shields expect much of him.

Wicket-keeper Paul Craig has returned after several seasons with the Durham Academy. All-rounder Philip Bell is also set to resume with the Wood Terrace club. On the debit side, Paul Muchall could revert back to Premier League cricket.

Burnmoor's efforts to take the title for the third time in five seasons has been improved by the signing of Brett Pelser. The South African moves the from Philadelphia and should prove a useful acquisition.

Horden have parted company with Nadeem Khan who has served them well for several summers.

They enter this campaign without a professional but have Adrian Hedley returning. The fast-scoring Hedley will skipper the side and Steve Maccoy deputise. John Fudge, who was at university last season, will be available again.

Durham City will have a different Australian after Tom Meredith was replaced by batsman Brett Andrjack. Nick Hillman from Blaydon is another recruit.

Marsden will be able to include Michael Gandy again, who has returned to the area after working in Leeds. New batsman James Harris and Lewis Bruce have also signed. Bruce is an opening batsman and a slow bowler who has had trials with Northants.

Northumbria University student Dimitry Nihalraj, who has played for India under-19s, is a fast left-arm bowler and completes Marsden's intake.

Rob Lawrence will not be available this year having moved out of the area and Philip Bell has returned to South Shields.

There will be a new captain at Seaham Harbour where Martin Gill will be in charge. He takes over from David Thompson who has moved to Teesside, but the Harbour are delighted that Thompson has decided to remain.

Gill will hopefully have a new player to strengthen his side. Seaham are awaiting clearance for an Indian all-rounder.

South Hetton have lost club stalwart Bobby Steel.

A player at South Hetton for 16 years, Steel has joined Hetton Lyons and a further departure is promising youngster Kyle Bradbury who has gone to Eppleton.

Final details are progressing in an attempt to bring a South African player to the club.