Returning to the club which he grew up playing for, Nick Savage will spearhead the Raymond Terrace Lions run at a semi-finals appearance in this year's Maitland and District Cricket Association season.

"We lost a lot of players from last season, about six aren't returning this year for various reasons," Savage said.

"So this year is about rebuilding, but I definitely want to play semi-final cricket.

"And if we make it to the semis anything can happen from there."

Savage said he was asked by the club to captain-coach its first grade side after moving back to Newcastle from South Australia where he lived for three years.

While in South Australia, Savage played in the Australian Country Cricket Championships for two years.

With 22 years of playing under his belt, including at the top level, plus coaching certificates, Savage is more than equipped to lead the Lions' first grade side, which will feature some young, exciting prospects this year.

"I can't wait to get back, playing where I grew up and helping these great young players we have this year," Savage said.

The season kicks off in October and goes until March.

In the 2014-15 season the Lions will face Northern Suburbs, City United, Kurri Weston, Eastern Suburbs, Western Suburbs and Thornton Park.

Before the season officially starts, a trial match will be held between the Lions and Belmont, who play in the Newcastle competition, on Saturday at King Park Sporting Complex.

The friendly game will give the team a chance to play competition cricket before the season begins.