Keighley seem to mean business this season with some notable signings onboard. The big eye-catching signing is Zeeshan Qasim who won the Premier League Bowling Averages last season with Undercliffe. The club have also brought in as captain and wicketkeeper, Sam Massheder, who was on Pudsey St Lawrence’s books last season. He will oversee a raft of impressive signings including Matthew Hastings (Burley in Wharfedale), Gareth Lee (Spen Victoria) and Tinashe Gomwe (Crossflatts).

Former Yorkshire player Alex Stead is still skippering Lightcliffe, and he accepts that promotion will not be easy. “We're hoping for a successful season with promotion being the obvious aim, but it looks like it will be just as tough as in previous seasons.”

Lightcliffe go with a similar side to last year with a focus on bringing through their young players. However, they have brought in a talented Indian all-rounder in Rajat Dey as their overseas player.

Keighley will have more experience on the field, but Lightcliffe’s youngsters are developing all the time and are looking to make a winning start

With a full squad to choose from, the selectors faced numerous difficult selection decisions this week. Keighley have undoubtedly recruited well this winter but the Lightcliffe XI have enough quality to return south victorious on Saturday evening.

2nd XI:
Home v Farsley - Saturday 26th April at 12noon

Team:

Michael Brooke (capt)
Isaac Morley
Rhys Jowett
Monty Ramsden (wk)
Will Leach
Lucas Arnot
David Knight
Sam Walker
Marcus Kelly
Oliver Barrowcliffe
Oliver Frearson

Zach Challis (scorer)

With Rob Burton absent, Mike Brooke will lead the 2nd XI at home to Farsley in Division 1 of the 2nd XI competition. With Farsley only relegated from the top flight last year, veteran Brooke's experience may prove crucial as Lightcliffe field a young side with 6 juniors and 19 year old Will Leach who is home from university. Stylish left handed bat Rhys Jowett, former skipper David Knight and off spinner Marcus Kelly complete the adult line up.

Olivers - Barrowcliffe (17) and Frearson (15) - will take the new ball with spin to come from the wily Kelly, 14 year old right armer Sam Walker and left armer Lucas Arnot.

15 year old Isaac Morley will open the innings with Brooke with fellow 15 year old wicketkeeper Monty Ramsden, sponsored by Aquarod, expected to bat at 4.

There is also a debut in the scorebox with another 15 year old, Zach Challis entrusted with this important role - good luck Zach!

3rd XI:
Away at Sowerby Bridge - Sunday 27th April at 1pm in the Rod Warhurst Cup

Team:

Mark Horne (capt / wk)
Richard Thompson
David Heath
Chris Terry
Oliver Frearson
James Horne
Jack Anderson
John Anderson
John Potkins
Mark Whiley

4th XI:
Home v Crossflatts - Sunday 27th April at 1pm

Team:

Bruce Lunn (capt)
Richard Buckland
James Lunn
John Wood
Owen Horne (WK)
Ted Stead
Luca Mullaney
Neil Wood
Freddie Wood
Tom Smaldon
Charlie Modgill