DAN Woods and Duncan Snell are returning to York Cricket Club next season.

Woods will reclaim his position as captain after spending a year as skipper of Minor Counties side Cheshire while Snell is back at Clifton Park following two campaigns with Woodlands in the Bradford League.

The pair will significantly strengthen the reigning Solly Sports Yorkshire ECB County Premier League champions as they prepare to launch an assault on the newly formed North Yorkshire Premier League next season.

Snell, 29, collected 24 centuries and scored more than 10,500 runs in a first spell at York which brought seven titles. Woods, meanwhile, picked up 33 five-wicket hauls and took 475 wickets in all competitions - including all ten at Castleford in July 2014 - during a six-year stay.

Nick Kay, who captained the side to league glory last season and will step aside for Woods' return, said it was a real boost to the Shipton Road club to be able to call on the prolific duo once again.

"These are two guys who have played for the club in the past and know what to expect when playing for York," he said. "They have got a decade of high quality cricket under them as we enter a new league that's exciting for everyone.

"They are excited about it and, from our point of view, we are not entering to come second or third. This is a statement of intent and we intend to be successful in the new league. Duncan has had a couple of good seasons in the Bradford League and is coming back a better player.

"We know what we are getting and there are new records to set. He will have an ambition to finish at the top of the run scoring table in 2016 and he has the ability to do that. From past experience, we know full well that at Clifton Park he is going to score a stack load of runs. He is one of the finest players ever to play for the club who has the ability to make big scores when the pressure is on.

"Dan has got nothing to prove. He has only been away for one season and hasn't forgotten what it is like to play for York. He is the best spinner I have played with and the best spinner in the Yorkshire League. He is as good a guarantee of wickets as you could wish for.

"He brings lots of experience and terrific leadership skills. It is great for our lads. It's a young team next year and we have two guys now with a decade of experience. It is fantastic news. You have the cream of the York Senior League in the new North Yorkshire Premier League and there will be no easy games.

"We hope they are all as keen for the battle as we are. From our point of view, it is very exciting and we are looking forward to the challenge."