SKIPTON, 22 points behind champions Colton Institute in Division Three, are hoping that the re-signing of Simon Ashmore from Ashbourne can tip the balance.

The Derbyshire County Cricket League player could give skipper Shahid Nadeem that vital ingredient to become champions.

If their junior set-up is any guide – they run seven teams as well as hosting giraffe cricket for three to five-year-olds – a rise to Division Two is all but guaranteed.

Off the pitch, plans are forging ahead for a new clubhouse, while Sandylands continues to be a community hub, with Craven League neighbours Skipton CI more than playing their part.

Steeton, seventh in Division Two last time round and again under the leadership of the evergreen Gary Boulton, have added Tom Winetroube to their ranks.

What comedian Harry Hill might say “I most certainly wasn’t expecting that” about was opening bowler Stevie Pearson winning the batting averages in 2020 and opening batsman Matt Nutter winning the bowling averages.