WHAT looks like being one of the most open competitions in recent years in the J P Mewies Craven and District Cricket League starts this Saturday.

Barrowford, looking to retain the title they won for the first time last season, have retained the services of Ratnesh Misra, who has been playing cricket during the closed season for UP Timber in Lucknow, India. They have also recruited Paul Hargreaves from Rolls Royce.

Embsay will sorely miss the talent of Duncan Bullough, who has retired due to business commitments. They have also lost quick bowler Dan Stephens, who has had a knee operation recently, but have recruited Nick Williamson, from Skipton CI, and Geoff Ward, from Addingham.

Oakworth have lost a couple of players, but have made a good signing in Jason Bilbrough, from Haworth WE, who won the league bowling averages last season. Also joining the club is Ben Holmes, from Haworth Road.

Newly-promoted Glusburn have added three men to their squad including Mark Price, from Oakworth, and Steve Filkin, returning from Cononley.

In the second division, Stuart Rodgers and Geoff Lloyd have made the short journey from Denholme Clough to Denholme.

Barrowford have been invited to enter the Black Sheep Yorkshire champions trophy and face York Senior League champions Easingwold at Bull Holme on May 29.

The league has also been invited to send a side to take part in the Nidderdale Show annual cricket match at Pateley Bridge in September.