Abu Dhabi is the carrot for Prem' clubs

Yorkshire league cricket has been revolutionized ahead of the 2016 season, with four ECB divisions – Yorkshire League South, Yorkshire League North, North Yorkshire and South Durham League and the Bradford League – all showcasing the best of White Rose talent, with a very special prize on offer for the team who stand out above all others.

Winners of each individual ECB league will play in KO Premier League semi-finals, with the Bradford League taking on the North Yorkshire South Durham winners at Headingley on September 17, while the North champions lock horns with the South winners at Scarborough.

The victors then head off for finals at the state-of-the-art £23m Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 23.

That dream still remains a fair way off for those Bradford League top-flight outfits who stride out for the first time this season tomorrow after last weekend’s opening programme of fixtures was postponed due to weather by the league’s management board.

An intriguing early derby takes place at Scholes, who welcome much-fancied Woodlands, who will be skippered by prolific ex-Cleckheaton opener Tim Jackson, with Pieter Swanepoel having left the club.

Cleck’, champions in 2013 and 2014, start out at home to Lightcliffe, who have experienced duo Ian Philliskirk and ex-Yorkshire player Chris Taylor on deck.

Along with Jackson, Iain Wardlaw has also left Moorend to join Hoylandswaine, with new signings including Sam Wilson (Pool), Chris Holliday (Townville), while all-rounder Mohammed Zaman has returned to the club.

Overseas man is left-arm Lahore paceman Mohammad Bilwawl. Farsley visit Hanging Heaton, whose new recruits include opening bowler Tom Chippendale from Ossett and Methley batsman Richard Foster, while promoted Morley welcome East Bierley.

The new-look Championship A also starts tomorrow, with a derby seeing Batley host Birstall. Ossett play host to Liversedge, while Yeadon entertain Hunslet Nelson.

In the Championship B, Spen Victoria head to Altofts, while Carlton welcome Bowling Old Lane. Hartshead Moor host Methley and Gomersal go to Townville. Wrenthorpe are at home to Brighouse.