With ten Scratch League titles in 18 years, it’s no wonder Mick Hillas referred to Northcliffe as once being the “Manchester United” of the Bradford Union.

The Shipley-based outfit make their return to the top flight when the new season starts tomorrow, having enjoyed a golden era that saw them become the most successful club in the league’s history.

After claiming their first triumph in 1987 and further ones in ’89 and ’91, Northcliffe went on to claim a hat-trick (1994-96) and two doubles (2000-01 and 2004-05).

That sequence saw them overtake West Bowling and West Bradford, who both have eight titles to their name, with Keighley on seven and Baildon on six.

With the departure of former professionals Andy Town and Terry Brushwood to West Bradford – in addition to Gareth Evans joining the pro ranks – an instant return to those glory days may prove a tough ask.

But the memories of those titles still remain fresh for Hillas, who was a guiding force behind much of that success.

After Martin Bell provided the early impetus, players such as Karl Curran, former Bradford City keeper Mark Evans, Mark Cook and Brushwood continued the success.

And the winning habit was further prolonged by the likes of Simon Bell, Town, Mick’s son Rob and Gareth Evans.

Hillas said: “It was like Manchester United. They all wanted to join and play for the scratch team.

“They were all mates and it was like a domino effect. It just snowballed.

“They were that hard to beat it was almost frightening for ten years, but now it’s dropped off a bit.”

Alongside the league titles, Northcliffe represented England in the Home Nations Junior Team tournament in La Manga, winning in 1999 and 2001 to become the only club to win it twice.

Hillas said: “Most of them were playing in the first team at the time. To win it once may involve a bit of luck but to do it twice was the mark of a great side.

“I’ve still got pictures of them in the shop as people forget.”

Hillas admits the conveyor belt of young talent in the game nowadays is not what it was.

He said: “We’re trying to get more juniors involved but everyone just seems to be playing on computers.”

Though the loss of key players is a blow, it means youth is set to get its chance at Northcliffe this campaign, with youngsters Oliver Young, Rob Malloy and Chris Watts all ear-marked for first-team duty alongside Trevor Loft.

The promoted side could hardly have been given a tougher start with a visit to old rivals Baildon, who will be seeking to wrestle the crown they held for three years before Cleckheaton won it last season.

Cleck entertain outsiders The Manor, who were also promoted last year, in their first outing.

West Bradford and Keighley – who before Cleck were the only two clubs to have won the title other than Baildon and Northcliffe since 1992 – lock horns in the other opening fixture.

Hollins Hall, who have proved they can hold their own in the elite after moving through the lower leagues, open their campaign at home to West Bradford on May 7.