THE state of the grass has been a major topic of conversation this wet spring, so it is ironic that cricket fans who have been delayed by a week in getting their fix could do no worse than visit Lawns Lane tomorrow.

Priestley Cup holders New Farnley host Cleckheaton in an eagerly anticipated clash in the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League Premier Division.

While Alex Lilley is the major capture for the Leeds club, Cleckheaton have brought in seven players, including Yorkshire's Tom Kohler Cadmore, former Northamptonshire batsman David Paynter, overseas all-rounder Tahib Tahir and sparky former New Farnley player Nick Walker.

Visiting skipper Mal Nicholson said: "I am really looking forward to getting the season started.

"We had a friendly last Saturday and looked in good shape for this weekend with a full team to pick from.

"New Farnley is usually a decent game and a nice ground to play at.

"They have strengthened during the winter, so we know we will have to be at the top of our game."

Sharing top billing is defending champions Hanging Heaton at home to 2017 runners-up Woodlands.

The Bennett Lane side still have their formidable batting line-up in the shape of Gary Fellows, Nick Connolly, Callum Geldart and Joe Fraser.

But they have added Ben Kohler Cadmore (from Driffield), left-arm opening bowler Josh Hollings (Pudsey Congs) and former Batley left-arm spinner Aqsad Ali to compensate for the loss of Richard Foster and spinner Muhammad Rameez.

Farsley, who have South African Patrick Kruger as their overseas, host much-changed East Bierley, while Pudsey St Lawrence, who have added former junior Jordan Thompson to their ranks, are at Lightcliffe.

Bradford & Bingley, under Matthew Duce, are at Methley, while Scholes are at home to Townville.