THE UPPER Airedale Junior Cricket Association hold the inaugural Skipton Cricket Festival on Sunday (9.30am-5pm).

The event replaces the former Malsis Festival, which used to be held at the Glusburn-based school, which is now closed.

The new competition at Sandylands will feature a record 30 teams, with ten at under-13, ten at under-11 and a further ten at under-nine.

Including the three age-group finals, the day is set to feature 33 matches of six-a-side cricket.

Skipton Cricket Club and the adjacent Skipton Church Institute Cricket Club are joint hosts and have prepared six pitches.

Last year's winners Upper Wharfedale (under-13), Cullingworth (under-11) and Oakworth (under-nine) will all be defending their titles.

Refreshments will be available, including a beer tent and barbecue.

Draw – Under-13s, Group A: Oxenhope B, Cullingworth, Oakworth, Wharfedale, Earby. Group B: Skipton, Embsay, Oxenhope, Steeton, Oakworth B.

Under-11s, Group A: Cullingworth, Earby, Steeton, Wharfedale, Embsay. Group B: Wilsden, Wharfedale B, Oxenhope, Oakworth, Skipton.

Under-9s, Group A: Oxenhope, Skipton B, Wharfedale, Earby, Oakworth. Group B: Cullingworth, Earby B, Oakworth B, Skipton, Gt Horton Church.