YORK Cricket Club's longest-serving first-team player Greg How believes the current crop of players is the strongest since he arrived at Clifton Park in 1992.

Australian bowler How celebrated his first Yorkshire League title with York last season at the age of 39 but feels the 2005 team is even better.

The addition of Yorkshire bowler Nick Thornicroft on a game-by-game basis and the re-signing of Mark Bell have compensated for the return down under of How's compatriot Riley O'Neill, and back-to-back championships look a real possibility.

How said: "For the first time as a squad, we can count on 16 or 17 players that would be automatic picks in any Yorkshire League side. That is a very healthy situation and I think in terms of all-round strength we are as strong as we have ever been during my time at the club."

Perth-born How moved to England 14 years ago after visiting his brother, who was on a secondment in London.

He got a job as a double-glazing salesman and, because he is entitled to a visa due to his grandfather, who hailed from Devon, decided to stay.

How was captain and coach of a Canterbury District second-grade side in Sydney before he left Australia.

In England, he played as an overseas pro for Surrey side Addiscombe before relocating to Yorkshire and starring in the Pontefract League for Hundall Hall - a friend's team - and then signing for York.

How has lived in Bishop's Stortford for nine years but still commutes at weekends to play for York, trying to ensure he can arrange work in York-shire on Fridays and Mondays.

Like last season, he is hoping his long trips will be rewarded and believes the bowling attack, which he will again spearhead, can help the team achieve more success.

He said: "There are probably four or five bowlers looking to get 30 or 35 wickets each this year and I expect to be one of those. I don't think I'll get 48 like last season though because I won't be bowling 290 overs again. I don't chase personal targets anyway.

"It's more of a team thing and if we bowl out 13 sides like last season we will be in with a shout. Also, a number of us went for only three runs an over last year and, if you set low targets, you have always got a chance of winning without bowling teams out."

How admits he uses attrition to wear down opponents and describes himself as an "annoying" bowler, finding what makes a batsman uncomfortable and then repeatedly delivering balls to that area.

He is also looking forward to playing alongside Thornicroft and talented spinner Dan Broadbent, who is now on Leicestershire's books.

He said: "Nick (Thornicroft) has brought a new dimension. We are now guaranteed somebody who will open the can up for us. He's a great way to get into sides early on.

"We're also hoping for a big season from Dan. He took 33 wickets with injuries last season and we should now get even more out of him."

How also feels new Aussie signing Michael Sheedy has boosted York's batting options, saying: "He's a well-organised player who knows his game and is very proficient technically. I think he will bring real value and calmness to our top order and I'm sure he will have success."

From the several contenders hoping to steal York's county crown, How picks out three as potential champions, with the biggest challenge perhaps coming closest to home.

"The last three or four years we've been there or thereabouts but others are streng-thening as well," he said.

"A lot of clubs are spending money and Harrogate are paying out a lot to try to put together a competitive team. They are top after three games and should be challenging.

"I think Sheffield United will also come back to the fore. They have recruited well and most of their younger players will be starting to come on now, while Sheffield Collegiate, as always, will be strong."

How has no retirement plans despite turning 40 this year and hopes his experience along with fellow senior players Marcus Wood and Nigel Dur-ham can help the club's youngsters fulfil their potential.

He said: "Until there's somebody better than me to take my place I will keep going. I also like to think of York CC as a family. That's one of our core aspects."

How is also hoping York can continue to benefit from a more Australian mentality in its approach, saying: "The professional game in England has caught up with Australia at county level but, at club level, the advancement is light years behind.

"I don't think society here advances sport as a method of achieving personal success through teamwork. You need discipline to get results in your social, sporting and professional lives but too many individuals here take a soft option.

"A lot of kids are more scared of failing than they are motivated by trying to succeed. They prefer the comfort zone of playing for their village.

"That does not happen in Australia. Everyone wants to test themselves daily, especially in sport. We try to do this at York. We are not elitist and the club is all about making opportunities broader. We want the community to know our club is a place where people who want to improve can come and see how far they go."

Updated: 10:48 Friday, May 13, 2005