The 2014 Jolly’s Drinks Cornwall Cricket League commences this weekend.

The Premier League 50/50 Cup occupies the first month before the ECB Premier League commences on Saturday, May 24. There have been no changes to the playing conditions or start times.

Last season was a memorable one for Falmouth as they battled on all fronts.

In July they won the Vinter Cup, for the first time since 1995. The season ended in heartbreak, however, when Werrington, who had defeated them in the WT Edwards Cup Final, denied them another two trophies within 24 hours.

The North Cornwall side comfortably drew at Trescobeas to retain their ECB Premier League title. Then they won the 50/50 Cup Final at St Austell, by the narrow margin of five runs. Falmouth skipper Adrian Noott is hopeful of going one better this year, but it might well be a challenge. Four of last year’s team have moved on.

Professional Justin Stephens has taken up a new contract at St Just. Opening batsman Richard Kellow has moved to neighbours St Gluvias and Jon Udy also moves to his former club at Kernick Road.

Kiwi Matt Goldsbury was unable to return after enjoying a good year. He is replaced by Indian batsman/off spinner Anup Revandkar, from Mumbai.

Two players who helped Stithians reach County Division One have joined. Glyn Furnival topped the County One bowling averages last year with 52 wickets at under 11 apiece and Craig Mouatt averaged 25 with the bat.

Falmouth start at home to Redruth in the 50/50 Cup on Saturday and host St Just in the Royal London National Club Championship on Sunday (1pm starts).

Stithians survived the drop in County One last year by just ten points. In addition to Furnival and Mouatt they have also lost skipper Martin Strick, who has returned to Redruth. Stithians host Hayle on Saturday (1.30pm). Devon side Ipplepen are the visitors on Sunday in the Davidstow Village Cup.

Helston are back County Division 1 for the first time since 2005. Skipper Dan Jenkin led by example making 1325 League runs with five centuries and nine fifties.

A tall, 21 year old Australian seam bowler, Jordan Fulton from North Queensland has joined the club. He played for Cambridgeshire side Newborough in 2013 for taking 79 league wickets at an average of 16.

Tommy Sturgess, son of the Helston Club secretary Lee, has signed from Troon. He has just returned from Cornwall Under 15’s recent tour of the West Indies. Former Camborne player Ben Rule is also a new face, having had a year out of the game.

He got off to good start scoring 60 in the friendly at Newquay on Saturday. The Premier League side only won by 25 runs with Chris Martin also finding some early season form with 70.

Menheniot Looe visit Beacon Park on Saturday (1.30pm).

St Gluvias were runners-up to Helston in Division 2 last year and look a good bet to go one better. Jon Udy will skipper the side, which will also be boosted by the arrival of Richard Kellow joining his brother Scott.

Daniel Knowles has also made the move from Falmouth. St Gluvias prepared for the season with a tour to the midlands last weekend ahead of the local derby with Falmouth seconds at Kernick Road on Saturday (1.30pm) Constantine looked a sure bet for relegation from Division Three last year but, remarkably, they won their last six games to survive in the end with something to spare. Former Falmouth player Scott Thompson has moved to Boulder Parc and will skipper the side. They start at Mount Hawke & Porthtowan.

Perranarworthal were marooned at the foot of County Division One last year, only winning one game. The opted to go down two divisions, having lost a number of senior players. David Angell and Simon Blackburn have gone to Mount Ambrose; Phil Bostock to Troon; Malcolm Thomas to Truro and Hal Thomas to Mount Hawke & Porthtowan.

Perran start with a derby at Underlane against Wendron, who have not been involved with any transfers in the close season. Mullion, who also have a similar squad, host Troon seconds.

The 2014 Cornwall Cricket Yearbook has been published. ‘Cricket in Cornwall 2014’ provides the usual comprehensive annual review of Cornish Cricket from the County Club and Cornwall League to Women & Girls, Schools and Youth cricket with full reports and photographs on the County’s representative teams. The 312 pages include a 16 page section of colour photographs.

There is the usual full Cornish cricket fixtures guide, major First Class dates and an updated history & records section. Please send a cheque for £7.50 (includes p/p), payable to ' Cornwall Cricket Board Ltd', to Michael Weeks, CCB Yearbook Editor, 9 Moor Street, Camborne TR14 8HN.