HAVING undergone a learning process with Keighley in the JCT600 Bradford League, Freddie Pearson and brothers Joe and Tom Stead have returned to Steeton to try and help them progress in the Aire-Wharfe League.

Also coming back to the inconsistent Summerhill Lane club, who were seventh in Division One last season, is keeper Chris Baines, while James Freebury has signed from Upper Wharfedale.

Steeton also have a new overseas player in Aussie all-rounder Max Hopkinson, who can bowl off spin and is an explosive top-order batter, and there is a new first-team skipper in Stephen Pearson.

Harden, who only ensured their Division Two survival on the final day of last season, also have a new first-team captain in Paul Quinlan.

Phil Leng's experience will be crucial alongside Quinlan, while Michael O'Flaherty is the new overseas player.

Silsden have made great strides off the field with their new scorebox and twin-lane nets. Now they want to make a mark on it and improve on their seventh place in Division Three.

Seam bowler Matt Shuttleworth is available again after two years fighting a serious illness, while Majid Inayat is with the club for a fourth season – and hopefully they will be boosted by an Indian overseas player.

Zadin Ullah (BT), Mohammed Fauzan (Baildon) and Manley Du Preez (Radley) are other recruits, while Silsden's title-winning juniors could also play an important role.

Steeton start this weekend at Rawdon, who finished a place below them in 2014, while Harden host Skipton, who were a place above them in Division Two. Silsden are at Bardsey, who were tenth in Division Three, 26 points above the re-election zone.