MARTIN BURGER is remaining positive as Connah’s Quay look to kick-start their Premier Division campaign with a derby win over Pontblyddyn.

Quay’s season got off to a disappointing start as a patched up XI were beaten by 213 runs at the hands of newly-promoted Mochdre, who compiled 448 for three at Central Park, including 101 extras.

But Burger insists that there is no reason to press the panic button after just one defeat, pointing to his side’s 235 for seven in reply, including a century for key man David Fox.

“On paper it looks like a thrashing, but we are taking the positives out of the game,” said Burger, whose side were without a game as the rest of the division was rained off last weekend.

“I had to commend everyone in the field. Not one player gave up on anything, and that has not always been the case at Connah’s Quay.

“We know the bowling needs work, but that was the positive of bowling first. We knew we would be in the field for 50 overs and it was important practice.

“We then showed great character with the bat. It was important we stayed out there and fought, and by the end of the 50 overs Mochdre felt defeated. They thought they’d roll us.”

On the visit of Pontblyddyn, Burger, who has Tom Hooson available, said: “It will be very interesting. They are another side that has come up and we are looking forward to it.”

Pontblyddyn captain Glenn Chambers is looking forward to a “significant fixture for both teams”.

The Alder Meadow outfit make the short trip boosted by the timely return of Chris Moss, Chris Myles and Ed Jones, with Chambers targeting an important victory.

“Both clubs are in a period of transition and it is an important fixture,” said Chambers, who will represent Wales Over-50s against Somerset on Monday.

“In football terms it’s a ‘six-pointer’ and we are looking forward to the game, and playing on a wicket I love.”

Northop make their way to Denbigh with team manager Dale Harley expecting a closely fought encounter.

The duo started the campaign with comfortable victories, Northop overcoming Pontblyddyn and Denbigh beating Pwllheli.

After seeing last week’s scheduled fixtures washed out the duo will be relishing a return to action, Harley saying: “Every time we play Denbigh it’s a decent game and a close game.

“We will give them a good game as we look to climb the table.”

Harry Lewis misses out for Northop, who have Mark Poynton available for selection after suspension.

Brymbo will be looking to get their season going with a victory at Llandudno. James Claybrook's men were humbled by Bangor on the opening day, but the likes of Dan Parry are back available.

Gresford are out to run another of the top-flight’s expected high-flyers close tomorrow afternoon.

Having fallen just the wrong side of a 600-plus run-fest on the opening weekend, Gresford, who saw their scheduled home clash with Llandudno rained off, make their way to St Asaph.

Captain Dan Williams is expecting a tough encounter with their hosts, but remains confident of picking up a positive result.

He said: “We’re looking forward to it as a team, St Asaph play the game very hard and very competitively, I think that brings the best out of us as a team.

“They have a great core group of players, and I’d be shocked not to see them up the top end of the league.

“It’s definitely a tough game, but we’re very confident in the group of lads we’ve got and are looking to get back to winning ways.”

Williams, left ‘very frustrated’ by last week’s washed out encounter, will select Ryan Williams in place of Jack Bunkell.

Reigning champions Menai Bridge make their way to Bangor, while the division’s early pacesetters Mochdre make their way to Pwllheli.

Other fixtures - Division One: Carmel and District v Dolgellau; Conwy v Bersham; Hawarden Park v Bethesda; Llanrwst v Abergele; Mold v Gwersyllt Park; Ruthin v Llay Welfare.

Division Two: Brymbo 2nds v Bangor 2nds; Corwen v Marchwiel and Wrexham; Gresford 2nds v Halkyn; Menai Bridge 2nds v Llay Welfare 2nds; Mochdre 2nds v Buckley; Northop 2nds v Mynydd Isa and Maeshafn.

Division Three: Abergele 2nds v Mold 2nds; Buckley 2nds v Mynydd Isa and Maeshafn 2nds; Gwersyllt Park 2nds v Connah’s Quay 2nds; Pontblyddyn 2nds v Pwllheli 2nds.

Division Four: Bethesda 2nds v Llandudno 2nds; Caernarfon v Llanrwst 2nds; Dolgellau 2nds v Llangollen.