The studied, calm approach of Richard Pyrah as our newly captain will be of benefit to Cleckheaton this season. We also have appointed Kieran Rogers as our new Club Coach, and he will oversee all aspects of cricket in a strong coaching category.

Our previous captain and long serving wicket keeper Mally Nicholson remains at Moorend and will no doubt continue to be an inspiration to the side.

The signing of the experienced James Stansfield could prove to be an inspired one. He is sure to bring some character and motivation to the side as we are desperately keen to get back to the big time. In recent seasons he has gained fame with Moorlands, figuring in two epic Sykes Cup Finals wins over Hoylandswaine. As a seamer he will find any demons in the wicket, and score useful runs down the order.

Our first team promotion push is boosted by the news that our explosive overseas batsman Yousaf Baber will be still at the crease in season 23. He can turn a match in the Premier Division with his brilliant stroke-play, so conceivably he will do even better in Division One.

An interesting signing for us is Waleed Akhtar from New Rover, and it will be fascinating to see if he can transfer his deluge of runs in the Aire Wharfedale League to the Bradford Premier League. A hard wicket batsman, he was part of that very good Saltaire side that played in the top flight of the Bradford League, before he moved into the Aire Wharfe League.

Youngster, Bradley Sylvester, who topped the Slaithwaite bowling averages last season with 41 wickets at an impressive 15.29, is sure to bolster our bowling attack. Looking to the future evenmore, we have the talented Yorkshire CCC junior Ibrahim Ahmed as well signing a bright young talent in Finlay Hill from Lightcliffe. Coupled with the seasoned Iain Wardlaw and Andrew Deegan, the bowling attack looks nicely balanced.

We have lost the services of opening batsman Kris Ward who has signed for Methley, and experienced off spinner Amir Hussain who will play for Yeadon. We wish them both well.