STEETON have opted against hiring an overseas player for the new season and will instead focus on giving their juniors chance to make the step up to senior cricket.

Stephen Pearson continues as captain of the Division One club, while his vice-captain will be Craig Walton, who has decided to commit to the first team after a successful season as second team skipper.

The Summerhill Lane club have lost two key first-team players in Neil Spragg, who has retired, and Jonathan Best, who has moved to Jersey.

Paul Hardwick takes over as second-team captain, with Hayden Tennant once again in charge of the thirds.

Meanwhile, Chris Meehan has returned to Silsden, after six years working abroad, to captain the first team. He replaces long-serving Hugh Sugden, who will concentrate on the ground and junior coaching.

The Division Three club welcome overseas player Shaun Brentnall from Melbourne, who played with Hampthwaite last season where he won the league batting award. Majid Inayat and Manley du Preez have committed to a full season after missing most of last year due to work and injury respectively.

Youngsters Nick Firth and Upper Airedale junior player of the year Ben Sugden are both hopeful of stepping up.

Andrew Pullen will again lead the second team with the usual mix of youth and experience.

Following the severe floods in December, a massive cleaning operation was required but the club's 10-year plan of upgrading facilities is now complete with the addition of new mobile covers.

The club are honoured that the league have awarded them the Birtwhistle Cup final in August.

Paul Quinlan continues as captain at Division Two outfit Harden. He will be supported by Mark Portlock, who takes over from Scott Hartley as vice-Captain.

The second team will be led by Richard Falkingham and Steve Gardner once again.