The Bradford League merry-go-round has begun with a host of players switching allegiance.

One of the First Division's most consistent batsmen, Andrew Bairstow, has left East Bierley and joined Pudsey Congs.

And Paul Carroll has followed his team-mate from Bierley to join the champions.

Congs skipper Matthew Doidge said: "We have signed Andrew and Paul. We needed a new opening bat because last season was not ideal. Vic Craven was only available for eight games and we ended up with two or three openers. Paul will open with Andy Bethel.

"Andrew Bairstow will bat at number four."

With opening bowler Naveed Rana-ul-Hassan returning from abroad to terrorise Bradford League batsmen once again, Congs look to be stronger than ever.

Asked whether he was confident of emulating last season's success, Doidge said: "Not really. There will be a few clubs looking for success."

Doidge denied rumours that Congs were interested in signing prolific batsman James Smith from rivals Pudsey St Lawrence.

Baildon have lost their skipper James Goldthorp to Gomersal but have an excellent replacement in Richard Robinson, who has returned to the club from Keighley.

Baildon cricket committee member Mick Illingworth said: "Robinson is Baildon's player of the decade. It's great to have him back. I would say he is also the best fielder in the league.

"We have also signed young David Clow from Windhill as a replacement for Adam Patel."

Baildon have also captured the signature of exciting prospect David Wigley, who is with Worcestershire. The former Yorkshire Seconds quick bowler will play when available.

East Bierley have signed Pakistani fast bowler Kashif Raza as a replacement for Jaffer Nazir.

Club secretary Ben Hemming said: "He's played for the Pakistan one-day team and is an excellent signing. He will be with us before the season starts."

The quickie, who can also bat, is 23 on Boxing Day. He made his debut for Pakistan against Sri Lanka in the 2000-2001 season, taking one for 36. In the same side were Waqar Younis, Inzamam ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi. Pakistan won by 28 runs.

Raza also played for the Pakistan Governor's XI against England in November 2000.

East Bierley still have Gavin Hamilton on their books and have signed Chris Brook from the Aire-Wharfe League.

Anthony McGrath, who has left the club, has re-joined Bankfoot. "We only had him twice last season," observed Hemming.

Cleckheaton, who have signed former Lancashire star Ian Austin as their new captain, have lost the services of Richard Pyrah to Woodlands.

But they are keen on preventing Chris Brice from going in the same direction. Club secretary Bob Speight said: "We have made Chris a good offer and we want him to stay."

Cleckheaton have lost top batsman Mark Gill to Undercliffe but have signed Adam Patel from Baildon.