ENGLAND’S number one veteran female is the Mid-Cheshire League’s most high-profile recruit ahead of the new season’s start next week, writes Keith Mitchell.

Sue Collier has signed for Club Mid Cheshire – along with two-times former singles champion Jake Shaw – as they bid to topple champions Manweb.

Their arrival makes up in part for the departure of junior international Fiona Dennett, who is off to university.

Last year’s victors Manweb and runners-up Lostock start as favourites once more, while Winnington Park will be boosted by the return of George Abbott.

They each line-up in Qualifying Group One.

Like last year the competition’s 19 entrants – up one on the 2009 intake – are split into two qualifying pools and play each other once to determine the line-up for the three-division Super Sixes stage from October.

Further down Lostock fifths, Wharton and Winnington seconds are likely to make the cut for Division Two although improving Cuddington will push them hard.

Newcomers Lostock sevenths and Club Mid Cheshire thirds – a team made up of youngsters from their club’s weekly junior coaching classes at Weaverham High School – are both unknown quantities.