SUFFOLK have registered three new players for the 2007 cricket season.Opening batsman and medium pace bowler Ben France returns after two years on Derbyshire's books, pace bowler Tony Palladino (23) is on a joint registration with Essex and batsman Gareth James has played for Essex Second XI and is now at Cambridge University.

By Elvin King

SUFFOLK have registered three new players for the 2007 cricket season.

Opening batsman and medium pace bowler Ben France returns after two years on Derbyshire's books, pace bowler Tony Palladino (23) is on a joint registration with Essex and batsman Gareth James has played for Essex Second XI and is now at Cambridge University.

Chris Schofield, who took 32 Minor Counties Championship wickets in 2007 and scored 367 runs, is now on Surrey's books. But the 27-year-old still has a joint Suffolk registration.

Paul Grayson, the Essex Second XI coach, remains on Suffolk's books as the county look to improve on last season's second place in the Eastern Division.

Suffolk begin their season with a friendly against Essex Seconds at Ivry Street, Ipswich on Sunday (start 11am) - and seven days later they entertain Staffordshire at the same venue in their first Minor Counties Knock-Out Cup match.

They have selected Clacton captain Martin Smith, who is a pace bowler and will have a chance to go through his paces.

There is no place for batsmen Martyn Cull and Tim Catley, while fast bowler Andrew McGarry is involved in Essex's current first-team four-day game against Glamorgan at Chelmsford.

McGarry has been signed on a non-contract basis by Essex to cover for injuries after impressing in pre-season nets.

The 25-year-old was released by Essex in 2003 and has been a Suffolk regular since 2004.

“It is good news for Andrew and well deserved,” said Suffolk's director of cricket Kevin Brooks. “He has been impressive and it would give us a headache if he was not available.”

Suffolk's success over the last few years has not gone unnoticed, with two of their players appearing for Essex Seconds in their three-day game at Hampshire this week.

Hard-hitting batsman Tom Huggins and wicketkeeper Chris Warn have been called down to the Rose Bowl, while Palladino is also playing as he recovers from a stomach strain. France was also in line for a call-up but has work commitments, while McGarry was pulled out of the game to play in the County Championship.

Nick Lee was in line to be the Derbyshire 12th man for their game against Cambridge University after scoring a ton for Derby Seconds at the end of last season and playing one game for the 2nd XI this term.

Phil Caley continues to captain Suffolk in his 26th season of Minor Counties cricket, while key batsman Andrew Mawson should be available for every game this summer.

Suffolk squad (v Essex II): P Caley, B France, T Huggins, A Mawson, T Hembrey, C Warn, J Bishop, C Swallow, P King, I Morton, M Smith, N Lee.