A TOTAL of 33 new captains will lead out their teams on the opening day of the Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League season tomorrow.

Five of the changes involve teams in the premier division where, with the inclusion of the two promoted sides, seven out of the 12 skippers will be in uncharted territory.

However, continuity rules at Woodhouse Grange as the reigning champions will again be led by Steve Burdett who can expect his side to make a bold effort to repeat last year’s league and cup double.

Apart from the departure of all-rounder Simon Dwyer, who has migrated to Dunnington, Burdett will have his full all-conquering squad at his disposal. Grange’s main challenge may come from Clifton Alliance, who will be skippered by James Postill in place of John Hunter.

Alliance could miss the 706 runs made by last year’s top-scorer Richard Musgrave, who is taking a year out for family and business reasons.

They will also be without Aussie Aaron Sayers, who made 673 runs last season.

The premier division’s longest-serving captain, Martin Piercy, has stood down after an eight-year reign at Easingwold.

Dan Copeland is the new man at the helm of a side which will be boosted by the addition of paceman Andy Metcalfe, who took 31 wickets for neighbouring Crayke last term.

Easingwold, who have maintained their lengthy faith in home grown players, should again figure prominently among the front-runners.

After leading his side to second place last season, Dave Towse has retired from the game on a high and is succeeded at Thirsk by veteran batsman Des Wyrill.

He will be hoping that fellow stalwart Barry Petty, the division’s leading wicket-taker, will again produce the goods.

Paul Miles will be flipping the coin for Dunnington having succeeded Hamid Khan, who has moved into the Central Yorkshire League.

During his time at Dunnington, Khan amassed 6,551 runs at an average of 54.14, which places him firmly at the top of the premier division’s all-time run aggregate chart. With 15 centuries and 39 half centuries, Khan’s departure will leave a huge void at the top of the Common Road side’s batting order. A number of other players have reportedly left the club, which will be looking to a more home grown player base for the new campaign.