OTLEY get the Aire-Wharfe League season underway on Saturday hoping to become the first club in ten years to successfully defend the championship.

By chance, they visit Bilton, who were the last club to win back-to-back titles and who are expected to be challenging again this year.

Double-winners Otley have made few changes to their winning formula.

Captain James Davies has largely the same squad, although Aussie Sam Blake has big boots to fill in replacing James Wilcock, who played a big part in the last two campaigns.

Burley, who entertain newly-promoted North Leeds, will be aching to shake off the ‘nearly-men’ tag.

Since they were crowned champions in 2010, they have never been out of the top four and been runners-up twice, including last year. Like Otley, they have a largely unchanged squad.

The same can’t be said for Guiseley, who finished only just above the drop zone last season. They have lost two of their star players, Nasir Jamal who has signed for Shepley, and Brian Jackson, who has returned to South Africa.

Another South African, Michael Stannard, has arrived and they have also signed Stewart Smith from Otley but they face a tough baptism against title favourites Beckwithshaw, who are boosted by the arrival of Alex Twigg from Harrogate.

Ben Heritage has taken over from Andrew Doidge as captain of Rawdon. Doidge has, however, reversed his decision to retire, so will be available, and Rawdon have also signed Andrew Duckworth from Farsley.

They entertain Steeton, who also have a new skipper in Stephen Pearson as they look to consolidate their place in Division One.

Ilkley reached an impressive fifth place after promotion last season and will hope to maintain that form in their opener at last season’s Division Two champions, Follifoot.

All eyes in Division Two will be on Horsforth, who stormed to promotion last season and expect to be in contention again this time round.

They start with a home game against Thackley, who have lost Luke Holroyd to Pudsey Congs.

Ben Rhydding are looking to go straight back up after relegation and face Green Lane, who have signed Aussie paceman Tony Cornwell to help them go at least one better than last season’s third place.

Harden, who stayed up by the skin of their teeth last season, entertain Skipton, who finished one place above them, while Tong Park Esholt, also boosted by an Australian quickie in Lyle D’Rozario, start at Colton.

Calverley, who finished third in Division Three last season, have strengthened their squad, including signing Ryan Lumb from Farsley, and should make a winning start at perennial strugglers Alwoodley.

Addingham are at home to Olicanian, both sides looking to build on good campaigns last year. Addingham have signed Australian grade player Nathan Harford, while Olicanian will be captained by Harry Smallwood, recruited from Bradford & Bingley.

Silsden, who travel to Bardsey, have added Mohammed Faizan from Bilton to their squad.

Bolton Villas, still smarting from relegation, are at New Rover, while Menston step into the unknown at Old Modernians, who were elected to replace Woodhouse this season.