GUISELEY have the chance to kick-start their Aire-Wharfe League season when they visit Collingham tomorrow.
After starting with two successive defeats, they find themselves at the bottom of the pile and facing a long, tough summer if things don’t improve.
Since they followed winning promotion to the top flight in 2007 with the runners-up spot the following year, Guiseley have slowly drifted down the table, and last season they finished one place above the drop.
Their survival depended largely on the form of Nasir Jamal, the division’s leading bowler, and South African Brian Jackson, who was second in the Division One batting averages.
Jamal has moved to Shepley in the Huddersfield League and Jackson has returned home.
But these are early days and Collingham look vulnerable after being skittled out for 55 by Otley last week, and success here could give Guiseley the boost they need.
There’s no lack of confidence at Burley, who are the early pacemakers with two wins under their belt. They might find it harder to overcome Follifoot, who have started strongly and have potential match-winners in Nick Robinson and Umer Yaqoob.
Veteran Andrew Doidge has been in impressive form for Rawdon who welcome Zimbabwean batsman Kida Samunderu, for their clash with defending champions Otley, who also have players like James Davies and Ricky Halloran producing good early performances.
Steeton will be looking to get a win under their belt against Kirkstall, who look in better nick than they did last year, while Ilkley travel to Bilton needing to get some runs on the board.
With runs seemingly coming easy, Green Lane look like a side that will again be challenging for promotion from Division Two, and Tong Park Esholt will have to step up a gear if they are to halt their early charge.
Horsforth also expect to be in the mix and, with Gareth Lee still to be dismissed this season after innings of 80 and 101, they will test Skipton.
Thackley have made a miserable start and face Colton, who lead the table after two wins, while Harden look for their first victory when they take on Adel.
Rain denied Ben Rhydding a first victory last week after they hit 260-9 against Tong Park Esholt.
Red Bolton made a sparkling 103 from 57 balls, and they will hope to carry on that form against Illingworth.
Calverley find themselves at the wrong end of the initial Division Three table and have a tough trip to leaders New Rover, who are again prolific run-scorers.
Bolton Villas, who have yet to win following relegation, are at Olicanian, who enjoyed a big win over Hall Park last week.
Park are struggling and are unlikely to find revitalised Bardsey easy, while, after a poor start to the campaign, Silsden could be newcomers Old Modernians’ first victims.
The most entertaining clash in the division could be at Addingham where Menston are the visitors,with both sides having made promising starts to the campaign.
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