THE Veka Ribblesdale League opens tomorrow with a new sponsor and a sprinkling of new professionals.

Last season Read completed a Senior League and Ramsbottom Cup double and they will start the new season as strong favourites to repeat that distinction now that professional and top league batsman Peter Sleep has decided to play as an amateur.

Settle have also been boosted by a similar move from their professional, Stuart Hornby. He and his father Keith have decided to stay at the club despite the decision to take on Robin Morris as the new club pro at Marshfield.

Morris has one game still to play in Mumbai and Settle were awaiting confirmation as to whether he could obtain release in time to play tomorrow at home to Padiham.

Barnoldswick have no such distractions. They go into the opening game at Edenfield with last season's professional Jeeva Kulatunga back in the line-up and John Pickup taking over the captaincy from Michael Scothern.

Earby go into action at home to Cherry Tree tomorrow with Mahammed Ayub, who joined them last season as cover for the injured Steve Crook, as their professional. Crook has signed for Honley in the Huddersfield League as an amateur.