Although there has hardly been a flurry of transfer movement during the close season to date it is fair to say that the moves that have happened could well prove pivotal in the coming summer.

Coleraine's plans have long since been confirmed and the Bannsiders look certain to be among the front runners for honours in 2013, while of the two players leaving Sandel Lodge, only Stevie Dunn (CIYMS) has as yet declared his hand. Joining Dunn and indeed Chris Dougherty across the Glenshane this time will be Phil Eaglestone after the former Strabane seamer signed on the dotted line for Waringstown earlier in the week. The NCU side looks particularly strong going into the new season following their capture of Greg Thompson and the return of South African "run machine" Obus Pienaar. For Strabane though the contrast could hardly be greater. Despite those back-to-back titles in 2009 and '10 the Red Caps' bowling looked stretched at times and you have to think they need to find a replacement for the left-armer very quickly.

Former skipper Martin Deans hinted strongly at retirement last September and with Eaglestone now gone and both Mark and Peter Gillespie hampered by injury, new captain Tommy Barr doesn't have his sorrows to seek. To be fair, Ryan Patton did a decent job with the new ball in 2012 but the options look very narrow without fresh blood.

Eglinton's signing of Stuart Thompson does them no harm at all in their bid to stay in the eight but it leaves an interesting twist on Roeside. The dogs in the street are barking that Richard McDaid or Chris Moore, and possibly both, could be on their way to fill the void left by Gordon Cooke at Drummond. As always though, Limavady's fortunes could well depend on Dekker and if the talisman stays for another year it wouldn't take too much to make them competitive again.

It's much the same at Brigade too and new skipper Gareth McKeegan hasn't been afraid to put a pre-season shift in looking to ensure that the former champions defy the doubters. The former Killymallaght man is nobody's mug and with Johnny Thompson a confirmed starter for them don't be surprised to see the Beechgrove side bring in a player or two in the coming weeks.

Things are starting to take shape for sure and no doubt there will be a twist or two to discuss next time.

Off the field you may well be aware that Justine Eagleson, wife of highly respected CDO Ryan has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and friends of the Carrick man are currently involved in a fund-raising venture to help the family. Ryan has been delighted with the level of support from the cricket community throughout Ireland and beyond and an ongoing raffle has met with huge interest with shirts signed by AB De Villiers, Kevin Pietersen, Warwickshire County Cricket Club, Sydney Sixers and Arsenal FC among the prizes.

All the allocation of tickets for the North West have been taken up and Donemana CC donated the proceeds of a "bottle pitch" (£201) to the cause but if anyone wants to grab a few tickets that can easily be arranged. The raffle will take place at a Quiz Night for the fund to be held at Shaws Bridge on 8 February and the CricketEurope team will happily buy a ticket for you on the night. Whilst we're delighted that the cricket community has rallied round, the immediate thoughts are obviously with Justine and Ryan and we send them our fervent best wishes.

Finally for now there is a competition currently running on the NW cricket scores page on Facebook as we attempt to find a name for the North West Inter-Provincial team. Union President Andrew Fleming has kindly provided a signed Ireland shirt as the prize so you're invited to check out the page and add your suggestion. Entries close next Wednesday with the winning moniker to be announced shortly after.