COLCHESTER and East Essex Cricket Club’s preparations for the new season have been boosted after Jake Foley returned to the club.

The 22-year-old spinner is back at Castle Park, having been playing his cricket on the South Coast while studying at Southampton Solent University.

Foley had been hoping to earn a deal at County Championship division one side Hampshire, whom he represented against Sri Lanka A in 2014.

But that now looks unlikely to materalise and the former Essex second XI player is now set to play his cricket back at Colchester, in the Shepherd Neame Essex League.

Colchester and East Essex chairman Andrew Kennedy said: “Jake was playing cricket down there, because he was trying to earn a contract with Hampshire.

“That doesn’t look so likely now, so he’ll play for us all summer and travel back.”

Former first-team captain Joe Barnett has also returned to Colchester, following his 3,000-mile charity challenge across the Atlantic.

“Joe was only able to play two or three games last season because of his other commitments,” said Kennedy.

“But he’ll be available for us for the whole of this season and it’s a boost for us and adds to the competition for places.”

Teenager Ben Allison is also expected to feature for Colchester this season, having featured for the South of England team last year.

All of Colchester’s 2015 first-team squad have confirmed their participation for the forthcoming premier division season, which begins with a trip to play Chelmsford on May 7.

It is a repeat of last season’s opening-day fixture between the two clubs, which Chelmsford won by 28 runs.

Colchester have now returned to net practice and will be hoping to improve on an impressive 2015.

They achieved their highest-ever premier division finish last year, clinching fourth spot in their first season back in the top flight.

Colchester’s 2016 North Essex Cricket League campaign kicks off on April 9 and they will use their early games as preparation for the start of the new Essex League season.

They face Elmstead and then Frinton, on the opening weekend of action (April 9 and 10).

Colchester are holding weekly net sessions at Holmwood House every Thursday, in the run-up to the new season.

The sessions start at 7.30pm and new members are welcome.