Champions Burley begin the defence of their Aire-Wharfe League title on Saturday as they started last season with a match against Adel and hoping for another blistering opening performance.

A year ago they blitzed their opponents by nine wickets and were never headed in the chase for the championship, although skipper Mark Harrison warns it might not be as comfortable this year.

“Several clubs have recruited heavily and I think it will be a much more even Division One this season,” said Harrison, whose side kick-off on home turf.

“You always look at clubs like Beckwithshaw, Green Lane, Collingham and Otley but you can’t ignore sides like Follifoot and Bilton, who have come up and have a good record in the past.

“In fact, you could name all the sides. There won’t be any easy games.”

Burley have kept their title-winning side together and have recruited Jonathan Baines from Bradford League outfit Baildon.

Much of their success was built on the bowling of Nick Brook and Shane Etherington, who led the division’s averages, and they have been strengthened by the arrival of powerful 19-year-old Tasmanian Daniel Meredith.

Green Lane, who came third last season, face a tough trip to runners-up Beckwithshaw, while fourth-placed Otley host Thackley, a side whose rise from seventh in Division Three four years ago to seventh in the top flight last season has been meteoric.

Rawdon and Guiseley both have away matches at Bilton and Collingham respectively.

Olicanian, who just missed out on promotion last summer, open their latest challenge at home to Ben Rhydding, who have recruited strongly ready to start life in Division Two after winning promotion.

Menston, who grabbed top spot in the third division in the final three weeks of last season, travel to North Leeds, who were in the top section last term.

Calverley, who were only two points above the drop zone, travel to Steeton, while Tong Park Esholt will hope to repeat their high-scoring ways of last summer at home to Harden, with Bolton Villas at relegated Pool.

Ilkley, who led Division Three for long periods last season only to be pipped for promotion for the second year in a row, have strengthened their squad and will hope to get off to a flying start at home to Hall Park, who slumped to second from bottom.

After two relegations in a row, Silsden’s opening match in the third tier is at Colton, while Addingham – who showed some return to form after a couple of shaky years – entertain Illingworth, who dropped down at the end of last season.

Horsforth travel to perennial whipping boys Alwoodley, while Skipton welcome Woodhouse.