AFTER narrowly missing out on promotion for the last two seasons Yeadon Cricket Club have been busy tryiny to ensure that it will be third time lucky in the coming season.

The cricket committee, under the chairmanship of John Hudson, has been meeting regularly since the end of last season and have already made some notable captures.

Four players have been recruited in John Roper, Paul Hebden, Darren Murray and Simon Gormley whilst three - Steve Dickinson, Richard Machell and Sean Greensmith - are expected to return to the club after a season elsewhere.

Roper is a very economical opening bowler who has regularly taken over 50 wickets a season , most recently for Hartshead Moor.

Paul Hebden is a lively wicketkeeper from Methley who scores runs in the lower middle order.

Darren Murray needs no introduction on the local cricket scene having been an established member of Rawdon's first X1 for many years. A pacy opening bowler Darren has also made some good scores with the bat.

The fourth new signing is Simon Gormley, brother of first X1 skipper Damon. A top order batsman Simon has been playing his cricket with Staxton over the last few years.

Of the three expected to return to the club Steve Dickinson - the Guiseley AFC goalkeeper - played for Drighlington last season; Richard Machell played for Otley and Sean Greensmith played in the Doncaster area.

Gary Hodgson and Fraser Johnson have left the club and Andy Wood will also be unavailable due to work commitments, David Pearce, the second team opening bowler who claimed 85 league and cup wickets last season, has moved out of the area.

The remainder of the players are staying at the club including skipper Damon Gormley and his former Scarborough colleague Neil Elvidge, who scored 1,001 league and cup runs last season; and Naeem Khan, last season's popular young overseas player. He had an excellent season scoring almost 700 runs and taking 40 wickets as well as winning the league fielding prize.

Indoor nets commence at Headingley on January 8 from 7-9 pm and any new players are welcome to turn up or contact John Hudson on 01132 50406.

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