With pre-season matches curtailed by the wintry spring weather, players will start the new Aire-Wharfe League campaign on Saturday more than ever wondering what kind of form they are in.

And also, after a soggy season last year, more than ever hoping for some cricket with the sun on their backs.

All will be keen for a flying start – and none more so than Burley, who were skittled out for 57 on the opening day last year and took a while to get their season on track before a strong second half of the summer saw them clinch runners-up spot behind Collingham.

Their squad, led this season by Charlie Davy, has a familiar look as they travel to promoted Pool, although they have lost consistent batsman Ryan Cooper to Bradford & Bingley.

Having been out of the top five just once in the last six years, during which time they have twice won the Waddilove Cup, Burley will always be among the favourites to take silverware, although Collingham are likely to again represent a serious threat.

They start their defence at home to Ben Rhydding, the side they beat on the last ball of an epic cup final last year and who saved their top-flight status with victory over Kirkstall on the final day of the season.

The heroes of that day, Jason Wright and Charlie Swallow, take over as captain and vice-captain respectively.

Division Two champions Harden, who are again led by Richard Wear, will hope to at least emulate Ben Rhydding’s survival as they taste Division One for the first time.

They host Guiseley, where Alex Bell takes over as skipper from Dave Pennett. He leads a young side after losing the services of Charlie Best, Ian Chaplin and Abid Awan.

There are a number of changes at Otley, including the return of James Davies from Bradford & Bingley and the arrival of Craig Hunt from Windhill, for their opener against Kirkstall, while Steeton will have Jonathan Best calling the shots at home to Beckwithshaw.

With two sides coming down and two moving up, Division Two is always the hardest section to forecast.

But Rawdon, who missed out on promotion by two points last year, will be among the favourites this time round. Boosted by the arrival of James Milligan, who has joined from Pudsey St Lawrence, they take on promoted Colton.

Thackley will still be wondering how they went from champions to relegated in a season but will be determined to bounce straight back up as they start their campaign against Bardsey.

Bolton Villas travel to Adel, relegated without a single win last season, while Green Lane – under the experienced Neil Britton – are at Calverley, who are hoping for a better season having only just survived last year.

Ilkley, who have made a number of changes – including signing Chaplin from Guiseley – are at North Leeds, while Tong Park Esholt welcome a number of new players as they start life in the second tier at Knaresborough.

It will be deja vu for Olicanian, whose first match after relegation to Division Three is at Upper Wharfedale – the side that came down with them – although they will at least be hoping for a result this time as both matches last season were hit by the rain.

Having just missed out on promotion, Menston will be hoping to go one better and a winning start against Addingham, who are captained by Laurie O’Connor following his move from Ben Rhydding.

Hall Park entertain Woodhouse, while neighbours Horsforth are at home to Silsden and Skipton meet Illingworth hoping the only way is up after finishing bottom of the heap last year.