The Upper Airedale Junior Cricket Association are counting down the days until the start of their new season next Wednesday.

The St George’s Day kick-off features the under-15s Pro Coach Academy League, with the first round of eight matches including 2013 double winners Oxenhope travelling to play 2014 title favourites Cullingworth.

The following Sunday sees under-13 league and cup winners Cullingworth host neighbours Wilsden in the Brook Taverner League.

The same day has the UAJCA’s newest under-11 team Embsay at Settle for their baptism in the North Yorkshire Conference of the CartaSport League.

Then on Monday, April 28, defending under-17s champions Upper Wharfedale start the season with a trip to Oakworth, a fixture they won last year by just two runs in the Keighley Cup2000 League.

Overall this summer’s league composition remains the same as in 2013, with 68 teams across the patch.

There is good news in that Embsay have entered the under-11 CartaSport League for the first time, while Bingley Congs, Steeton and Oakworth have increased their team numbers.

But sadly Haworth will not be represented for the first time in many years and there will be fewer teams at Bradford & Bingley and Cullingworth.