Pudsey Congs’ new skipper Andrew Bairstow accepts the pressure is back on his side as they defend their JCT600 Bradford League title.

The Intake Road outfit were able to stay under the radar for much of last season before making a late charge to snatch their sixth crown in 11 seasons.

But as Congs start their campaign at old foes Woodlands tomorrow, Bairstow knows his side will be there to be shot at.

He said: “Undoubtedly as champions, you are the benchmark and everyone wants to beat you.”

Having recruited well, Bairstow believes his side are capable of defending their crown but expects the title race to be as open as last year.

Congs and their Albert Terrace hosts have won ten out of the last 11 titles between them but the last two seasons have proved to be far from a two-horse race.

Bairstow said: “Woodlands have seen changes in personnel like we have in recent seasons.

“Last year showed just how tight the league is and I think it’s probably any team from six this year.

“The usual suspects should be there and Hanging Heaton dominated Division Two last year, so I expect them to be in the mix.”

At 35, Bairstow is very much the elder statesman of a youthful Congs outfit that includes highly-rated 15-year-old Barney Gibson.

The wicket-keeper was playing for Yorkshire seconds in midweek but Congs hope he will feature prominently for them this season.

Josh Atkinson, an opening batsman from Otley, and Edward Walmsley, who won the league’s young spinner of the year award with Cleckheaton last season, are two new recruits.

But the most significant addition could be overseas bowler Mohammad Naved.

Pudsey had to do without the Pakistani last season due to administration problems.

But he is set to play a full season this year and was due to arrive in time for tomorrow’s opener.

Bairstow said: “Eugene Burzler led the attack extremely well last year but we missed a bit of extra firepower that Naved will provide. Along with Alex Hewitt, we should have three very solid seamers.”

Bairstow is looking forward to the challenge of being skipper, having taken over from Glenn Roberts.

He said: “The new regulations with the 30-yard fielding circle (in which four fielders, plus the bowler and wicket-keeper must be present) mean captains will have to think a lot more, rather than just sticking everyone out on the boundary.”

Other stand-out clashes tomorrow see Manningham Mills host fellow top-flight new boys Hanging Heaton, while Pudsey St Lawrence entertain Cleckheaton.