YORK CC captain Dan Woods says the club is determined to win this season’s Hunters ECB Yorkshire Premier League North title.

York, who won the Yorkshire League a record 14 times, could only finish second to Harrogate last season in the inaugural YPLN.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s opening game at Driffield Town, Woods said: “In many ways, last year was a good season. We finished second in the league and won the Black Sheep Cup.

“However, all the players looked at each other after the final game and knew that we could and should do better.

“So the aim is to win the title this season, without any doubt,” he stressed. “But we know it is likely to be even tougher this time around.”

York’s side will be boosted this weekend by the availability of Yorkshire batsman Jack Leaning.

Leaning, 23, scored 40 runs for Yorkshire in last weekend’s County Championship victory over Warwickshire but has been omitted from the squad to play Hampshire.

Brothers Liam and Ryan McKendry, meanwhile, have both left York during the winter.

All-rounder Liam has moved to London where he is now working at The Oval as an assistant-groundsman for Surrey CC.

Ryan, meanwhile, has signed for neighbours Stamford Bridge who open their season with a local derby against Woodhouse Grange at Low Catton Road.

Harrogate start the defence of their title at Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

Clifton Alliance, newly-promoted after winning the York & District Senior League, host Scarborough who narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Easingwold, who were promoted as runners-up, have a tough baptism at home to Yorkshire Academy.

Acomb, who finished eighth last season, will be looking to make a good start when they play host to Hull.