WITH the season only three games old, Pool’s David Paynter is already well on course to overhauling his 495 run tally for the whole of last season.

The former Northants county player has centuries under his belt against league leaders Beckwithshaw and Guiseley, so Pool will be hoping for more of the same when they travel to unbeaten Burley on Saturday.

Pool looked impressive last week when chasing down Guiseley’s 260-7, but struggled against Beckwithshaw – only Paynter and new signing Ryan Sharrocks (61) performing with the bat.

Burley, meanwhile have built on their opening week win over much fancied Otley and will be full of confidence, as long as they can contain Paynter.

With two defeats already – the same as they suffered in the whole of last season – Otley need to find their form. They have a great chance to build some momentum against a North Leeds side who have lost all three matches so far.

Few players have been more consistent over the years than Dave Pennett and he already has two four-wicket hauls to his name.

But Ilkley will need to provide him with plenty of support if they are to take anything from Beckwithshaw who have started the defence of their title in ominously powerful fashion.

Bilton, too, look set to be in the title race and Rawdon will have to step up their game if they are to end their opponents’ winning start to the season.

Perhaps the most intriguing top flight fixture is Horsforth’s visit to Guiseley, two sides who have looked promising in matches without yet hitting their full stride.

Hall Park have found it hard to adjust to Division Two after promotion, losing their first three games. They entertain another of the promoted sides, Tong Park Esholt who will be smarting after their winning start ended with them being skittled out cheaply by Follifoot.

Hall Park’s most recent defeat was at the hands of Addingham who travel to Ben Rhydding, who are also on the back of a victory over Calverley.

Steeton have lost two of their first three but both at the hands of clubs likely to be in a breakaway group at the top, so they will provide a tough test for Calverley.

Skipton are next to face one of those fancied sides, Kirkstall, while struggling Thackley travel to Follifoot, one of the hot favourites for promotion.

Saltaire and Olicanian are first and second in the early Division Three table and they clash at Roberts Park.

Bolton Villas travel to New Rover in a clash between the two sides without a win so far while Menston entertain Alwoodley and Harden play host to Bardsey.

Last season Tong Park Esholt became the first side from Division Three to reach the Waddilove Cup final but they have a tough opening round draw on Sunday against Follifoot in a repeat of last week’s league match which saw Park dismissed for 66

Holders Otley have a first round bye but there are several all-top flight battles including Pool travelling to Collingham and Rawdon taking on newly promoted Colton.

There are one or two potential giant-killing matches with Thackley looking vulnerable against Menston and Ilkley facing a strengthened Adel squad that wouldn’t look out of place in the top flight.