by Andrew Stratton

THE local cricket season gets under way this weekend.

The Merseyside and Southport Alliance, which includes Birkenhead St Mary's and Parkfield Liscard, is being sponsored for the first time by Bromborough Paints, who are also maintaining their link with the Merseyside Competition.

Birkenhead, again under Bill McGenity with his son Steve as vice-captain, open with a tough away fixture at last season's runners-up, Wavertree.

Parkfield Liscard will be at home to Southport Trinity, who finished marginally above them in 2004. Nigel Jackson will lead the Wallasey-based side.

In the Merseyside Competition, opening fixtures in Division One include Tranmere Vics v Parkfield Liscard 2nd XI and Birkenhead St Mary's 2nd XI v Wavertree 2nd XI.