Cricketers settoget new season under way
The ENCO Halifax Cricket League is due to get under way on Saturday following last week’s postponements, which resulted in the full programme moved to September 21, writes Paul Whiteley.
Resurgent Stainland make a welcome return to the Saturday league with their second team, with the intention of adding a first XI within the next two years. Bradley and Colnebridge have only entered a first team this season.
Thornton will be out to retain their Premier Division crown. Booth, Copley and Illingworth St Mary’s in particular, will be challenging.
There will be more than a passing interest in the fortunes of the newly formed Warley and Elland club.
Warley, along with Shelf Northowram HT, were promoted last year so both will be aiming to cement their top level places.
Favourites to gain promotion to the Premier Division will be Clayton while relegated teams Blackley and Mytholmroyd will also be keen to regain senior status.
With the planned move to reverse the number of teams in the First and Second Divisions, the former having 12 teams from 2025, interest is guaranteed to last until the last day of the season.
At least three teams will be promoted from the Second, with five if there no alteration to the number of teams in the whole league.
The Sunday League celebrates its 40th year with a record 34 entrants.
Now one of the largest Sunday leagues in the UK, its reputation for enjoyable third XI cricket is well established. Last year’s Division 1 winners Copley will find Lightcliffe and Blackley eager to take their crown.