Cricket returns to the sporting programme after its winter break with three of Driffield’s five teams hoping to make a winning start to the season.
The first team, once again led by David Brent, travel to West Yorkshire to play Castleford in what is likely to be a tough opening encounter for the Woldsmen.
They should be boosted by the selection of overseas professional Aamer Sajjad. Sajjad is expected to arrive anytime and it is likely he will only meet up with his team-mates on the morning of the game.
The 31-year-old batsman should bring some much needed experience to Driffield’s batting line-up, and he arrives with a good pedigree having played for Pakistan A and scored double centuries against international bowlers Wahab Riaz and Danish Kaneria.
In last season’s corresponding fixture Castleford secured an incomplete win, but it looks likely that they will be without the services of ex-Yorkshire spinner David Wainwright who has now signed for Derbyshire.
Mick Drury returns as second team captain, and is immediately faced with a local derby against Bridlington, who won by 12 runs on their last visit to Kings Mill Road.
The seconds will be hoping that slow bowler Nick Johnson can repeat his exploits of last season when he finished with 50 league wickets.
The third team start their Y&DSL Division Four campaign at home against Goole Town 2nds, who were relegated from Division Three last season.
Having named a strong side, including new signings Mike Brent and Steve Hood, captain James Richardson will be hoping to start the season in winning ways.
Driffield’s fourth and fifth teams begin their campaigns next weekend with home games against Foxtons and South Cave & Brantingham 2nds.
Weekend teams
1st XI v Castleford Away meet 9am: D. Brent, D. Broumpton, A. Sajjad, B. Cadmore, J. Major, S. Drury, O. Ezard, T. Chippendale, N. Hardgrave, M. Clarkson, G. Drury.
Scorer: H. Nunn
2nd XI v Bridlington Home meet 11:30am: M. Drury, R. Woodmansey, J. Nesfield, W. Norman, N. Johnson, M. Goddard, G. Halder, A. Woolley, R. Woodcock, A. Chapman, R. Grice.
Scorer: A. Rogers.
3rd XI v Goole 2nds Home meet 11:45am: J. Richardson, N. Woodcock, J. Greveson, M. Brent, M. Addinall, S. Hood, S. Morris, M. Nicholson, J. Foster, J. Woolley, C. Busfield.
Scorer: J. Richardson.