KEIGHLEY Crusaders captain Duncan Walsh has been injured even before the season gets under way.

Walsh, (above) who has been named as captain for the 2002-03 season, was injured in a practice match against Yarnbury on Tuesday evening and is expected to miss the opening weeks of the season.

Despite his absence the Crusaders hope their young side will get off to a flying start following the return of a number of players.

Adam Balderstone, who has been away at university and was playing with Preston Grasshoppers last season, returns at centre and Scott Amos, who has been playing with Leeds side Leodensians for the past two or three seasons, is to return at scrum half.

Andy Bennett, who missed last season, will be back in the second row.

Matthew Green and John Gibson, both members of last season's successful Colts team, will take their place in the back row of the senior team. Gibson has also been playing with the Cougar Academy side which has grown in stature during their first season.

The youthful team will also have the support of a number of more experienced players.

The season starts tomorrow with a club game against local rivals North Ribblesdale as they warm up for the start of the league campaign. The game at Utley starts at 3pm.