THE new broom that is the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League sweeps into action tomorrow after a week's delay due to the wet weather.

And, although the league has new sponsors, a new status and new clubs due to the merger with the Central Yorkshire League, Pudsey St Lawrence cricket chairman Chris Gott says that the league won't feel that different for him yet.

He explained: "The top flight will only contain 'Bradford League' clubs this season, although I am sure that there will be quite a bit of movement up and down over the next few years as clubs find their level.

"Some clubs will rise to prominence while others will go downwards, but the new set up is very welcome, and I am sure that it will lead to a general rise in standards."

Saints won the championship last season – for the first time since 1991 – and Gott said that they could have brought in an overseas batsman.

However, he added: "I know that Sir Alex Ferguson said when he was Manchester United manager that you need to change several players at the end of every season but we have a wage structure that we are happy to keep to and we also want to promote youngsters.

"Callum Goldthorpe won't be available until June due to studies but we have Harry Cullingford and Jordan Moore, and Charlie Parker, who we have signed from the Aire-Wharfe League."

Saints are at home to New Farnley tomorrow, and Gott said: "I expect Woodlands, Cleckheaton and New Farnley to be our main rivals, with Pudsey Congs and Hanging Heaton maybe in that second tier who will go well if things fall their way."

Woodlands are at promoted Scholes, where a minute's silence will be observed before the match for their former player Dr Clive Raynor. Cleckheaton host Lightcliffe.