Aire-Wharfe Cricket League clubs prepare for new season

OTLEY are gearing up for a third consecutive Premier Division championship in the Aire-Wharfe League, writes Bill Marshall.

The Cross Greeners, who have bagged the title in seven of the last 12 seasons, are under the same leadership as last year, Josh Atkinson.

The team have lost key player Steve Brown, who has now signed with Moorlands to be closer to home.

Jake Ross has transferred to Burley, while Otley have enlisted Jake Whittaker from Guiseley, and a new overseas player from Sri Lanka is waiting for paperwork to be finalised.

Otley Cricket Club’s clubhouse has recently faced a partial flooding issue due to burst pipes, but repairs are underway, with the club confident that everything will be “shipshape and Bristol fashion” before the season starts.

The cricket season is set to commence on April 18.

Burley, the runners-up from 2025, have also seen a significant reshuffle with departures of Jonathan Postle, Richard and Edward Brook, and Mack Hall.

Burley have gained Jake Ross alongside other additions like Sam Fox, Matthew Revis, and South African Cayden Wilson from Eastern Province.

A new indoor cricket facility is in the works, and a new groundsman’s building has just been completed.

This has led to an extension of the boundary into the old tennis court.

The club’s junior and women’s sections are reportedly thriving.

At Addingham, under new captaincy, the club is keeping hush about their expectations for the season despite claiming the third place and the Waddilove Cup in the last season.

James Nixon is the new skipper, supported by vice-captain Ricky Palacio.

New Zealand overseas Jack Duffy has also joined the club, re-establishing a connection from the previous campaign.

Adhering to their strategy of internal promotions, Jacob Parker is returning for a second consecutive season.

Horsforth Hall Park are heading into the new season with Kiwi Tayden Smit and Aarsam Malik, both strong batting additions.

Richi Limbechaya recovers from a long-term injury, while Ben Abbott will be leading the third XI.

The club’s cricket matches will be upgraded with live streaming and the outdoor nets have also been spruced up.

Pool Cricket Club is witnessing its first season without Charlie Bell as captain after a decade.

Australian Logan Duval is taking the reins for his third campaign.

Charlie Taylor from New Rover and Danny Groom from Tong Park Esholt have joined, while Charlie Popely is returning to Pool this year.

It’s a poignant time for Pool as they stand to remember former overseas player Atiba Alert, who passed away last July.

The club is also reintroducing a third XI into the league, mainly comprising juniors, with leadership from Brian Davis.

Meanwhile, Ilkley and Rawdon, both narrowly missing out on promotion by just two points last season, are still strong contenders for the Division One title.

Woody Luffman, Brad Goodaire, and Jack Winterbottom will lead the three Ilkley teams, respectively.

Ilkley has enlisted Tasmanian Jesse Willmott and Sion Blears from Ben Rhydding in an otherwise largely unchanged squad.

Ilkley, after their 175th anniversary season in 2025, invested in a new roller and the ladies’ section is undergoing a surge, with over 40 members training regularly.

At Rawdon, first XI’s new skipper is James Doidge, with new signing Joel Newlove set to form a fresh new-ball combination with overseas player Sam Chapman.

The club is set to introduce two women’s teams for the first time.

As the season approaches, each team is bracing itself for a fresh start, with the addition of new players, refurbished grounds, and improved facilities.

Whether Otley can yet again secure their domination in the Premier Division, or if the mantle will pass on to any of the other contenders, remains to be seen.

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