THE Hunter York and District Senior League will entertain the Drakes Huddersfield League in the first round of the Costcutter Yorkshire Senior Leagues' Knock-out Trophy at Sheriff Hutton Bridge on Saturday.

Last year the York League had a fine first round victory over the Yorkshire ECB Premier League before losing in the semi-final to the South Yorkshire League and they will be hoping to at least emulate their 2003 performance.

With league champions Dunnington involved in a Black Sheep Champion of Champions game, none of their players have been selected but a strong side will still take the field with current leaders Easingwold providing four players.

Their skipper Martin Piercy will lead the side and will have team-mates Jonathon Marwood, Dan Copeland and Paul Skilbeck in his team.

His batting line-up will include two club skippers in Beverley's Jamie Mitchell and Mike Burdett from Woodhouse Grange who will also fill the wicket-keeping berth.

Heworth's Dave Simpson and Andy Tute will ensure a strong batting order. The bowling will be spearheaded by Thirsk's Barry Petty and Acomb's Dave Sykes, who also both captain their respective clubs, while spinning duties will be in the youthful hands of Chris Pitts from Carlton Towers.

The gates at Sheriff Hutton Bridge will be opened at 12.30pm. The game starts an hour later and will be a 50 overs a side game.

Hunters York and District Senior League: Martin Piercy, Jonathon Marwood, Dan Copeland, Paul Skilbeck (all Easingwold), Dave Simpson (Heworth); Jamie Mitchell (Beverley Town); Andy Tute, Dave Sykes (both Acomb), Mike Burdett (Woodhouse Grange), Chris Pitts (Carlton Towers); Barry Petty (Thirsk), Duty 12th man Nick Scaling (Sheriff Hutton Bridge), Res: Colin Frank, Richard Sykes, Ashley Quinn. Scorer Faith Pattison (Hovingham). Match Manager Albert Pattison.

Drakes Huddersfield League: Brandon Nash, Darren Shadford, Grant Jones (all Delph & Dobcross), Lee Baxter, James Thornton, Barry Singleton (all Elland), Steve Whitwam, Andrew Allsop (both Scholes), Paul Winrow, Adam Robinson (both Barkisland), Simon Kelly (Honley). Scorer David Collin. Team manager: Ron Tindall.

Updated: 10:29 Friday, June 04, 2004