Rawdon have added Pudsey St Lawrence opening batsman Stuart Smith to their line-up as they seek to break Bilton's stranglehold on the Division A title when the Aire-Wharfe League kicks off tomorrow.

Bilton have won the championship in four of the last five years, only missing out in 2002 when it was won by Adel, who visit Rawdon tomorrow.

Rawdon have to look back to 1996 for their last triumph but hope to produce the kind of form they showed in the second half of last season and make a real challenge.

Bruce Percy has retired but Dennis Rock returns after injury and the attack has been strengthened by the addition of Australian Jack Dent.

John Goldthorp has joined Pool from Farsley for their first year in the top flight as they begin against Tong Park, who welcome former first-class batsman Rajesh Gaholt from Delhi.

Gary Boulton takes over as skipper of promoted Steeton, who host last season's runners-up Follifoot.

Steeton have new overseas all-rounder Nathan Giesler on board from Victoria, while Andy Luxton has signed from Thackley and Chris Meehan has moved from Silsden.

Otley have lost several players and host Bilton, hoping for a quick impact from Australian James Harford after his switch from Illingworth.

Chander Sheikar, who played a big part in Tong Park's rise to Division A, gets his debut for Burley at North Leeds.

Guiseley start life in Division B for the first time since 1996 and have strengthened their side with the signing of Andrew Burke from Otley and former Thackley skipper Lee Margerison.

They meet Silsden, who have signed Bradford League all-rounder Zeeshan Quasim and Omar Katab from the Craven League.

Promoted Olicanian, who will again be captained by Australian David Corcoran, host Bardsey, while paceman Mahir Ali is expected to make a big impact for Thackley, who meet Beckwithshaw.

Ilkley hope to bounce straight back after relegation and start life in Division C against Addingham.