THE new cricket season begins this weekend, with a number of Borders sides facing new challenges in 2017.

Gala perhaps face the biggest test after their promotion to the East Championship, the second tier of Scottish club cricket.

The Meigle Park club have been busy off the field in preparation for the new season, with a new five year strategy being launched.

On the field, it will be largely local players asked to make the step up, starting with a trip to Edinburgh to face Marchmont on Saturday.

Captain Kevin Gallagher said: “We know it is going to be a tough season but we want to try to enjoy it and hopefully spring some surprises along the way.

“We have managed to paint the clubrooms, will be installing an extra changing room, are offering match day hospitality and advertising boardings for sponsors and have a number of social events lined up, so there are plenty reasons to be positive.”

Gala will face Kelso this season in the Championship after the Shedden Park team performed admirably in 2016.

The Tweedsiders have brought in two overseas players Michael Eckard and Sam McMahon for 2017 and look to be well placed for at least a top half finish. They begin their season at Kirkcaldy side Dunnikier.

St Boswells avoided demotion to East Division 3 only due to a league reshuffle last year and will be hoping to get off to a good start to avoid another relegation battle.

They begin their Division 2 campaign at home to Livingston.

Selkirk travel to newly promoted Tranent as Rory Banks’ men look again to consolidate their spot in Division 3.

Hawick face a new challenge after promotion to Division 4 and make the trip to Fife on Saturday to play Dunfermline and Carnegie.

Peebles County start their Division 5 campaign at Preston Village.

After a few years in the doldrums, Melrose earned promotion last season to Division 5, where they host Edinburgh team Kirk Brae 2nds on Saturday at Huntlyburn.