PAUL Whiteley, public relations and media officer for the Halifax League, stepped up to the plate when they needed the draws making for the Parish Cup (first teams) and Crossley Shield (second teams).

The draws were conducted over Zoom by Paul and his wife Lynn at their Sowerby Bridge home - the first time in the cricket league's 133-year history that they weren't made at a League Council meeting.

Holders Thornton, who were league runners-up last year, have been given a home tie against Copley, with the scheduled date for the first round matches being Sunday, May 9 (1pm).

Oxenhope will host Stones, Cullingworth have SBCI as visitors, while Triangle, who won the truncated Premier Division season in 2020, are at Low Moor Holy Trinity.

Shelf Northowram Hedge Top are at Sowerby St Peters, while Clayton will entertain Mytholmroyd.

Great Horton Park Chapel have Luddendenfoot as visitors, and Queensbury make the trip to Mount.

In the Crossley Shield, on the same date, there is a Bradford derby between Queensbury and Great Horton Park Chapel, while Shelf Northowram Hedge Top will entertain Copley.

Clayton are at Blackley, while Thornton visit Triangle, and Mount are at Luddendenfoot.

Cullingworth and Low Moor Holy Trinity are among seven teams to receive byes.