OXENHOPE Cricket Club has decided not to follow up plans to join the Craven League -- but will move to the Halifax League.

Craven League officials were told of the decision at their recent meeting and League Clubs have two more applications to consider before the next meeting in March.

The 2002 League champions, Embsay, have been entered into the Black Sheep Yorkshire Champions Cricket Trophy, sponsored by the Black Sheep Brewery of Masham.

They face a tough opening draw drawn away to Kirkburton, champions of the Huddersfield League.

The competition which is by invitation to sixteen league champions contains the likes of Pudsey Congs and Pudsey St Lawrence (Bradford League), Harrogate (Yorkshire League), Adel (Aire/Wharfe), Killinghall (Nidderdale), Buttershaw St Paul's (Bradford Central) Birstall (Central Yorkshire), and Dunnington (York Senior).

Last year Oakworth represented the Craven League and put up a very creditable performance against a strong Bilton side who were champions of the Aire-Wharfe League.

Embsay Chairman Trevor Coe said: "I'm confident we will get through to the second round - provided it rains and we win the toss of the coin!"