Jamal's men want to bounce straight back

What a start! Squares, outfields absolutely saturated, groundsmen unable to get rollers out or even to cut the grass and talking darkly about weeks to get it ready. Both the senior leagues have postponed their first weekends to later in the season but for the SYSCL that means starting this Saturday (hopefully) and there's much to look forward to.

The Championship has lost Doncaster Town and Whiston PC to the Prem but gained Sheffield & Phoenix Utd and Tickhill in return. Tickhill are certainly keen to bounce back with Ahmed Jamal, the Pakistani Professional, winner of the King of Speed competition, as their overseas and Mike Jepps from Kexborough, Liam Johnson from Wickersley and Laurence Browes from Coal Aston to add depth to the side. Tickhill are very much a town club, with one of the best grounds and pavilions in the region and have great support from their community, who this year have helped them renovate their nets. They’ll want to do well.

So too will Elsecar who frustratingly have just missed promotion in each of the last three years. With Jason Meadows retiring, Ainsley Swallow will be 1st X1 skipper and they have Indian all rounder Puneet Datey as overseas and have attracted several other players from local clubs.

Darfield also have ambitions but are still developing their young side. Luke Bullingham will be captain and last year’s successful overseas, Syed Abid Hassan returns. Andrew Wood joins from Thorncliffe, Steve Cline from Rainford and Josh Gillies is back.