PRESTWICH Cricket Club's title ambitions have been boosted -- before a ball has even been bowled.

The Heys team have been strengthened by the return of Chris Humphreys.

He won the league averages in 2002, taking 74 wickets at an average of 10.92.

He was professional at Bolton Assocation club Standish last year, where he also showed he was no backnumber with the bat -- scoring three centuries.

Back in the Prestwich ranks, he will add some experienced firepower alongside last season's top wicket-taker Andy Bradley and youngster Alex Blake.

Professional Craig Duxbury has been retained, and with Ian Walker keeping in good nick by representing England at indoor cricket, Prestwich are prepared to mount a serious tilt at the Lees Lancashire County League title. Their only loss is the move by teenager Andy Taylor to Heywood.

Captain Steve Orrell said: "Chris's absence last year made a big difference. We scored a mountain of runs, with Craig and Ian in great form, but we struggled to bowl sides out, which lost us vital points.

"Our youngsters performed well, and a year on, if they can keep improving, I would like to think that we will be in with a shout come September."