Northcliffe go into the first match of the Bradford Scratch League season at home to Bradford Moor tomorrow night overwhelming favourites to retain their crown.

And they will make their intentions clear from the off by fielding their strongest side - Telegraph & Argus golfer of the year Gareth Evans, James Firth, veteran Martin Bell and his England boys international son Simon.

Captain Chris Fordham is confident his team can set the pace again this year. "We will be slightly handicapped because of Simon's England commitments, but we have tremendous strength in depth.

"Our professional Mick Hillas has built a great youth set-up here and we have three or four players standing by who would not weaken the team.

"Added to that we have Jason Hall back at the club from Knaresborough and he is off one.

"I would really like to do well in the Yorkshire Division One championships at Moortown in August. We did really well to retain our First Division status last year and it would be great to do well there this time."

Baildon, champions in 1998 and 1999, will clearly face a tough year having to play all their matches away from home because of the foot and mouth outbreak.

They are also handicapped by losing Tom Gooding to West Bradford and Chris Hargreaves, who is unavailable.

West Bradford's chances will hinge on Gooding's switch and the experience of Mark Evans and Richard Ellis. They have lost Julian Townsend, who has joined the police force, and Paul Thomas is not available for selection despite returning from the professional ranks.

Darryl Berry's appearances are also likely to be limited by other commitments.

Bingley St Ives, one place away from the relegation slots last year, rely on the basis of that squad with Richard Wheatley, Andy Brown and Jamie Mountain likely to be regulars.

Bradford, who missed out on promotion to Division One last year, will be giving some of their youngsters a chance this time.

They have gained Andrew Young from Northcliffe after his family moved close to the course and have Leeds University student James Kirkbright back on regular duty after a year out. They are also expecting big things of Keiron Atkinson from Rawdon.

"We will have a bigger squad to operate from rather than relying on the same regular faces," said captain Laurence Wood.