Saturday saw the Draft Night take place for the 2017 Windmill Whack competition, with new players and "overseas" stars being picked up by the six franchises.

Last season's wooden spoon winners, the Apple Finance Firebirds had first pick from the pot of new players and picked up 1st teamer Alex Kirkpatrick, while they also secured the services of Luke Taylor, Ray Calder and new UCC signing Don Triggs.

The Govani Maestro's, who finished in fifth place last Year, made Nathan Woods their first pick for 2017 and he was joined by youngsters Kiran Kullar, Ryan Brown and Nathan Bright as well as batsman Dave Wainwright.

The Kalijeera Kings opted for youth as they planned for the season ahead, bringing in Tom Daniels, Jake Giddins and Matt Peters, as well as the experience of Christian Pickering.

The competition's newest franchise, the Hunter's Hurricanes, made an excellent pick with the signing of Glen Noller and they later bolstered their ranks further with the addition of UCC stalwart Michael Jones.

The Root 66ers had to wait some time to make their signings, but when they did Sam Twine and Ben Calder joined last season's runners up, and they will be looking to help their side go one better than in 2016.

And the Chairman's Choice, winners of the 2016 event, recruited wisely with Scott Fisher, Mark Jolly and Akbar Jabar joining a powerful looking squad.

The draw was then made for the new "overseas" stars for the 2017 competition. Hainault and Clayhall legend John French joined the Hunter's Hurricanes, before Hornchurch veteran Marc Whitlock was picked up by the Apple Finance Firebirds. Former UCC star Jason McNally was paired up with the Kalijeera Kings while Brentwood batsman James Redwood was well received by the Govani Maestros. League Chairman Andrew Kennedy will represent the Root 66ers while the Chairman's Choice will include Wanstead skipper Joe Ellis-Grewal in their 2017 squad.

Well done to Chairman Ollie Peck for organising a great evening and to Mesha and Bal Kullar for the wonderful catering!!!

The 2017 event gets underway with a double header on Bank Holiday Monday (29th May).