SALTAIRE, fourth in the top flight last season in the Aire-Wharfe League after a strong finish, have witnessed a changing of the guard over the winter.

Leaving after five seasons is wicketkeeper-batter Bilal Hamid, who has joined Bankfoot, while Arsaam Malik, who had a stellar 2023, has also switched to the Bradford Premier League, joining Cleckheaton.

Also departing to the Bradford League are Mohammed Nadim and Farhan Sheikh (both Bowling Old Lane), while overseas player Usama Javed and Jhanzaib Sulari won’t feature either.

However, making the move to Roberts Park are promising young left-hander Subhaan Ammer (Lightcliffe), Parvaz Khan (Liversedge) and keeper Asif Yousaf (Crossflatts), who returns having played for Saltaire under-17s.

Meanwhile, Ali Ahmed will be available full-time, having been at university, and joins his ever-improving brother Abdi, while Haroon Mahmood has been promoted from the second XI.

All-rounder Saj Ali continues as captain, with support from the experienced Jib Malik and Awaise Hussain, while Saltaire hope to sign an overseas all-rounder imminently, as well as more domestic recruits.

Off the field, repairs have been completed to the pavilion roof, scorebox and sightscreens, while painting inside and out continues apace, but ground preparation, in common with many other clubs, is behind schedule due to the weather, despite the efforts of the indefatigable Billy Ricketts.

Tong Park Esholt, who finished ninth last term, only securing their top-flight status on the last day, will again look to skipper Dave Hester for runs and wickets, but they have also signed Nick Smith from Undercliffe, Aire-Wharfe legend Mahir Ali, to boost the bowling, and opening bat and spinner Jake Sali from Australia.

Unfortunately TPE have lost Josh Bennett due to family commitments nearer home.

Calverley St Wilfrids, ninth in the second tier in 2023, will again be led by Tom Simpson, and can call on Jacob Spencer, Jonny Landells and the returning Ben Waller (Horsforth Hall Park).

Thackley, who have worked hard all winter to improve their facilities, finished fifth in the third tier last term and will be running three senior teams, while they have junior sides all the way from under-nines to under-18s.

New first XI skipper Jack Holland will again be hoping that some of their juniors make the leap to senior cricket, and have a young overseas Aussie in Jamie Ross.

Bingley Congs, who finished fourth in Division Four last season, thoroughly enjoyed their debut season in the Aire-Wharfe League.

They have a new first XI skipper in George Hicks and a new overseas in Jarrod Klauer from Mornington Peninsular in Victoria and have also retained the rest of their 2023 squad, including 18-year-old Jacob Rees, who made his first XI debut last season.

Off the field, there are new outdoor nets and a fully refurbished clubhouse, including a new kitchen.

Fellow newcomers Rodley, who finished six places below Congs, have been busy on the recruitment front, signing Kamran and Farhan Ali, Tom Goodings, Callum Jackson, Luke Storr and Srihan Kantaveenam.

Their overseas is all-rounder Jackson Dodd from Sydney.

They have also been busy off the pitch, with plans submitted for a new scorers’ hut, while work is due to commence on a two-lane fixed net next month.

The changing rooms have both been redecorated and a new kitchen installed.