HIRST Courtney will begin the defence of the HPH Cup with a home tie against York Vale Cricket league first division rivals Stockton & Hopgrove.

Current champions and 2011 HPH Cup winners North Cave will entertain Hemingbrough.

Scothern Cup holders North Duffield begin their bid to retain that trophy with a trip to Stillingfleet.

Both competitions, along with the President’s Cup, will stage first round matches on Saturday, May 25. Final venues will be announced at a later date.

The regular league season starts on Saturday, April 27, with 47 teams playing in five divisions.

Draft league fixtures have been circulated to all clubs and the deadline for clubs agreeing to any changes is Friday, February 8.

Richard Johnson has been appointed as captain of Thixendale and Mark Deamer named skipper of Bishopthorpe II.