by AFTER finishing third for the past three seasons, Otley are hoping three signings can help them dethrone Collingham & Linton in the newly named Aire-Wharfe League Premier Division.
Back at Cross Green is former first XI skipper Ben Morley, who has returned from Undercliffe, and his brother Joel has joined from Rawdon.
Otley also have a new overseas player in Aussie Roby Lane, from Melbourne club Northcote and, more importantly, no departures, which should mean a stronger second XI.
The largest number of juniors are also registered, and Otley are off the field having completed their renovation of the men’s and women’s toilets, as well as the showers.
Rawdon, third last season, also strengthened, welcoming back Andrew Duckworth and Harry Nicholson, while Tom Watson, George Solti, Jack Gott, Corey Heath and Musar Umar also joined.
They also have a new overseas team in opener Tom Wrigglesworth, who will be able to move seam and leg spin, and will be looking to challenge in all formats.
Pool, who are fifth in 2023, have signed Elliot Audsley and pace bowler David Amos is available again after a year out.
Like Otley and Rawdon, they have an overseas newcomer – Logan Duval from Australia.
Burley, who finished sixth last, have a new skipper in Nicky Bulcock and should do better than that with the return of Dan Revis and Charles Davy from Bradford Premier League, as well as the arm seaman left Jonathan Postle of New Rover.
Jason Kraftt from South Africa, from CBC Old Boys in South Africa, is overseas.
Burley, still feeling the loss of Pauline Brook, has reached its crowdfunding target of £35,000, plus new sponsor support from Arundel Travel has enabled work to improve drainage in the infill area , and each of the three nets has the top of the page. – a carpet range, and a new garage was built to store the groundsman’s equipment behind the scoreboard.
It is also expected that 100 plus boys and girls will get their first taste of junior cricket, adding to their nine junior teams.
Horsforth Hall Park, a disappointing seventh in the top flight in 2023, has a new captain in Michael Loubser, along with a number of new recruits.
Off the field, the club has again made great progress over the winter with a full kitchen refurbishment and extensive clubhouse/bar decoration in preparation for the Birtwhistle Cup final.
Addingham, who was relegated to the second tier last season, gave the captaincy Richard Atkins, with the experience of vice-captain Robbie Miller to support, and Kiwi Returns Nick Farrell as an overseas player.
They are again hoping to integrate some of their juniors into the senior squad, although some experienced players are returning from long-term injuries, and have also signed Luke Bott from Ilkley.
Like Otley, Addingham has replaced their showers.
Ilkley, who finished four points behind second-placed Steeton in the second tier in 2023, received seven flood warnings during the winter without the River Wharfe breaking its banks.
James Bourke is their overseas player again, while William Jones should also be a factor after his move from Leicestershire.
Hosting the 2025 Waddilove Cup final as part of its 175th anniversary, cables have been laid, which will improve internet access to the score box, and there is also an improved alarm system.
Meanwhile, club hero Michael Clegg has put away his two colored pens after retiring as a goalscorer.
Olicanian, who finished eighth last season, have retained their Clubmark and Safe Hands Management System which they achieved in 2023, and are well on their way to becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, rather than a members club.
Jamie Hudson is the new first XI captain, but will be without Alex Wade, Tom Smallwood, Tom Starkey and James Skgle, who remain.
Newcomers Christy Byrne and Thilip Kjumar Sappan are expected to add more, while a long-term tenancy agreement provides stability for the future.
Olicanian will also be running Yorkshire’s junior games, including an under-13 game on May 8, with further games penciled in for May 9, June 9, June 16 and July 16.
Guiseley, last term’s Division Three champions, have welcomed back Aniket Rana as their overseas side, and have also signed batter Viraj Bhosale from the South Yorkshire Premier League.
Menston, who are fourth in the third tier in 2023, have extended Fraser Oates for the Aussie.
Ninth-placed Horsforth have a new first XI captain in Joe O’Gorman, who is supported by Tom Colley, and Brad Moritz, a product of Melbourne’s Mitcham CC, as overseas.
Meanwhile, the club’s beer festival will return in June.
Green Lane, relegated from Division Two, have new recruits in Christos Bogdanos, Daniel Frost, Rob Pratt and Tom Mason and are looking to quickly return to the second tier.
