PLAYERS will be sending up a prayer to the cricket gods for a fine day tomorrow so that the stuttering Aire-Wharfe League season, already interrupted by rain and the Tour de Yorkshire, can finally get underway in earnest.

Those who made a good start a fortnight ago will be hoping they can find that form again, while the rest will hope the extra couple of weeks' practice will be evident in an improved display.

One side who will definitely be hoping for more of the same will be Rawdon, who eased to a 153-run opening-day win over Burley thanks to half-centuries from Andrew Duckworth and Ben Heritage and a five-wicket haul from Andrew Doidge.

They face a stiffer task tomorrow in the form of defending Division One champions Otley, who were equally impressive in beating Collingham.

Having got off to a winning start to life in the top flight after back-to-back promotions, Horsforth will be confident going to a Steeton side that struggled against Bilton.

Pool are still looking for a first win after promotion and face Kirkstall, who looked surprisingly vulnerable in losing to Ilkley.

Ilkley travel to Collingham, while Burley will need to improve on their opening-day performance when they go to Bilton.

There was no doubt about the biggest first-round impact in Division Two, with Red Bolton's unbeaten century inspiring Ben Rhydding to a 157-run win at Colton – who started the campaign as one of the promotion favourites.

Robbie Miller, Robbie Oldham and Michael Slater made big contributions and if they can find that momentum again, Rhydding should be too strong for Knaresborough.

One of the most intriguing games of the day sees Guiseley travel to Addingham, both seeking a second win and both with new signings who made an instant impact.

Addingham's overseas star Ted Haggas hit 49 and took 4-40 against Knaresborough, while Richard Nichols marked his move from Skipton to Guiseley with a 5-18 haul against Harden.

Skipton, who also had an impressive debut from South African Pieter Coetzer, are next to test Colton, while Harden entertain Calverley – both looking to break their duck – and Thackley travel to Illingworth.

The Division Three match of the day sees relegated Green Lane take on much-strengthened Hall Park, two sides expected to be in the promotion mix come September.

And could Silsden be in that race? Judging by the way they despatched Upper Wharfedale, with Manly Du Preez picking up seven wickets and big knocks from Nick Firth and Chris Meehan, they might well. Tomorrow's visit from Tong Park Esholt and the bowling of Mahir Ali will be a good test of their potential.

Bolton Villas need to kick-start their season against Alwoodley, while Olicanian – who just missed promotion last season – face a tough match against Leeds Modernians. Menston entertain Upper Wharfedale, with both sides looking for a first win.