NEW Frinton Cricket Club skipper Michael Comber believes his club have added "powerful" signings that will enhance their title credentials this season.

The former Essex all-rounder has taken the reins from Kyran Young, who will remain part of the playing roster at Ashlyns Road.

Mervyn Westfield has departed but the fiercely-ambitious Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League outfit have retained former county star Jaik Mickleburgh as well as recruiting Essex's Adam Wheater, Ollie Bocking, from neighbours Colchester and East Essex, Norfolk skipper Ashley Watson and Sri Lankan spin king Dulanjala Mendis.

Comber believes the new quartet can tip the scales Frinton's way heading into their Premier League campaign, which starts with a home match against Great Witchingham on April 20.

“We’re pleased to have made such powerful signings," said Comber, who emerged through the ranks at Tendring neighbours Clacton.

“These are guys with a proven track record and, in terms of first-class matches, it’s almost unheard of to have so much experience in one squad.

“It’s going to be amazing for the team and also for me, in my first year as captain.

“It’s such a great balance and I know they’re going to help take the weight off my shoulders.

“The likes of Jaik and Adam will bring so much stability to the side, given their vast experience with Essex.

"Ollie is a serious talent who took 36 wickets for Suffolk last season at an average of 23, including best figures of six for 44.

“And as if that wasn't enough, I couldn't be happier to have signed Ash Watson and Dulanjala Mendis.

"Both are top spinners and, between them, they’ll tie sides down and force batsmen to take risks, to try and get on top of us.

“They’ll create pressure at both ends."

Bocking is a right-arm fast bowler while Norwich stalwart Watson has taken 495 Premier League wickets, including 20 five-wicket hauls and best figures of eight for 29.

The Norfolk captain is a left-arm orthodox spin bowler who has also plundered 5,643 Premier League runs, including nine 100s and a highest score of 115 not out.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Mendis, from Colombo, has 52 first-class matches to his name, in addition to 280 wickets, an outstanding average of 21.6 and best figures of eight for 45.

Essex keeper-batsman Wheater will have limited availability because of his county commitments but brings great quality and experience to the dressing room, having played in 128 first-class matches, scoring 6,196 runs - 35 50s and 12 100s - and boasting a highest score of 204.

Mickleburgh starred for Frinton last season and has played in 101 first-class matches, bludgeoning 4,978 runs and scoring a best of 243.

His tally includes 21 50s and ten 100s.

“I’d like to thank everyone behind the scenes for getting these signings over the line," added Comber.

“It’s a long process and so much hard work goes on throughout the off-season, dealing with things like registration, visas and flights.

“It takes three or four guys to put their heads together and make sure everything’s in order.

“As captain, I can’t thank them enough."