THE new North One League season starts this Saturday with new-look Birkenhead Park facing a tricky opener at newly-promoted Penrith, who are now vying with Kendal to become Cumbria's premier side.

Pre-season preparations have gone well under the guidance of new player coach Jon Sewell, who has moved from New Brighton.

Sewell captained Cheshire to the County Shield last season at Twickenham and has also played for the England Counties side. He will link up in the Park back row with Dave Ibbotson, who continues with the captaincy of the side.

Park had two successful warm-up games, defeating Lymm 36-12 and Stafford 52-0.

The squad has been bolstered by the arrival of several newcomers and the return of a number of players.

Two former Colts with excellent pedigree have now returned from University - giant second row Greg Walsh, who played for London Welsh, and stand-off Ben McPhearson, who has experience with Rotherham.

Cheshire Under-20 full-back Andy Clarke has already made a good impression after switching from Anselmians and other newcomers are centre Chris Lowe, from New Brighton, and Alejo Diaz, a Columbian international stand-off who is on a four month attachment to Park.

Hooker Joe Fisher has returned from Prenton and utility back Martin Sutton from Oldershaw. In addition, backs Marc Harris and Jon Brennand are now in contention after missing the whole of last season.

Former coach Shaun Gallagher has announced his return as a full-time player and has shown in the pre-season that he is still a force to be reckoned with.

The Park Wanderers start their North West Division One season with a home game against Widnes at the Upper Park on Saturday (3pm).