WITH the use of overseas players in the Hunters York and District Senior Cricket League being restricted to the premier division in 2008, there has been a scramble by first division clubs to get players from abroad.

Nine of the 12 recruiting clubs have opted to look overseas in a bid to gain one of the coveted two promotion places.

As a result, the division is likely to be a closely fought affair with Hornsea, York, Studley Royal and Stamford Bridge looking possible promotion candidates.

Stamford Bridge's Tamar Lambert appears to have the best CV with 30 appearances at the top level for Jamaica. He has made over 1,500 runs at an average of 30 with a top score of 110 and taken 13 wickets with his off-breaks.

York II look to be promotion favourites as the strengthening of their Yorkshire League squad will have a valuable spin-off for their York League team who will be boosted by the addition of Heworth's Dave Simpson and Australian Riley O'Neill who played for York in 2004.

Studley Royal, who were in third place last term, have signed 19-year-old Victorian Ben Torney who will add pace to the attack via his 6'5" frame and strengthen the middle order and slip cordon.

Hornsea will choose between Andrew Louw, from Namibia, and recreational registered Doug Griebenhow, when deciding who occupies their overseas spot.

Second division champions Folkton & Flixton have made no overseas signing but their home grown talent should be safe in mid-table alongside Goole Town, Scarborough and Whitkirk while Beverley are likely to be in the mix.

It seems that Pocklington and Carlton Towers, who were just above the relegation line last year, may find themselves caught in the drop zone along with Driffield. The latter have been allocated a number of county players whose availability for the first eleven will have a knock-on strengthening effect in their second eleven.

It will be intriguing to see how the second division pans out now that teams cannot rely on overseas players who occupied four out of the top five places in last year's batting averages.

Bridlington can no longer call on the services of the prolific Hafeez Khalid who made 1,196 runs in the last of his five seasons with the club. Despite the potential effect of the rule change, Bridlington have strongly supported the committee's move to promote home talent and should still be a force after recruiting Ian Winterbottom from Driffield and Scott Cooper from Flamborough.

Ripon will be boosted by the return of top batsman Chris Warters from Harrogate and may figure in the promotion race together with Sewerby who have opened a new clubhouse.

Former Yorkshire Academy wicketkeeper-batsman Anthony Daniels has joined Tadcaster Magnet who will be looking for a mid-table place as will Rowntrees.

Relegated Osbaldwick will be looking to bounce back at the first attempt but Duncombe Park will have to show improved form, although in Brian Leckenby they have a top-rated batter.

Beverley Town II and Crayke are expected to establish themselves in the division after gaining promotion last year but Bolton Percy may find life without an overseas boost difficult.

New Earswick and Dringhouses will be looking to make a solid start to the season, otherwise they may face a tough campaign.

Fenner have joined the York League after dominating the East Yorkshire Alliance and should have little difficulty in lifting the third division trophy.

Their strongest challenge is likely to come from Londesbrough Park and Clifton Alliance II while Hornsea II cannot be discounted. Thorp Arch may be a surprise package after gaining promotion last year.