The tides are changing out at Weston in the lead up to the start of the Maitland and District Cricket Association first grade competition on October 10.

Captain of last year’s squad – Andy O’Rourke – may not return from a stint in England playing with Hayes Cricket Club in the Shepherd Neame Kent League.

“He is a big question mark at the moment,” Weston secretary and club coach Peter Edwards said. The talented all-rounder, who took 13 wickets from three innings in the first month of the English season, would be a big loss for Weston.

As will be his older brother Patrick, who looks set to be undergoing a shoulder reconstruction that will keep him out until at least Christmas.

Patrick was also playing cricket in England around the Kent region during the Australian

off-season, along with the third O’Rourke – Robert.

Robert will return to Australia some time this week, possibly with an English recruit, but Edwards said he was hoping all three brothers would be in action in 2009/2010.

“Hopefully the O’Rourke brothers will be back to offer some leadership for our young players,” Edwards said.

The likes of experienced campaigners David Fairfull and Daniel Chappel would go around again, but Edwards said the Weston team, which finished seventh last season, would be a youthful one.

The team would also have a new bowling arm.

“It is virtually a whole new bowling attack,” Edwards said.

Regular openers Scott Woods (work commitments) and Troy Fairfull (work) are unavailable while off-spinner Beau Couldrey has returned to England. Left-armer Steve Abel, 16, will come into the team from Bellbird, who play in the Cessnock competition, Matt Harwood returns to the club after a season with Branxton and leg-spinner Hayden Paterick will step up to the top grade after taking 28 wickets in seconds last year.

Luke Duffield, 16, will be the wicketkeeper.

Edwards said the team would be relying on the younger players, but remained hopeful Daniel Chapple would provide runs for the team.

“Chappy (Chapple) has got lots of 40s, but hopefully he will mature as a batsman and get the scores he deserves,” Edwards said.