CARLTON Towers were extremely disappointed that their first season in the top flight ended with relegation and they will be looking to bounce back at the first attempt.

Their chances have been bolstered by the return of hard-hitting batsman Stuart Coleman who played a major part in their successful 2002 campaign.

Osbaldwick slipped out of the premier division for the first time and they too will be keen to make amends.

However, the two sides who were promoted from division two, Hornsea and Malton & Old Malton, are both ambitious and forward looking clubs and one or both could figure in the promotion slots at the end of the season.

Both clubs have strengthened their squads, opting for Australian input with Malton's Ryan Buger having made two first-class one-day appearances. He is likely to cause some problems with his leg break and googly deliveries.

Also in the first division, Goole Town and Hull Zingari are likely to be among the front runners but Duncombe Park have lost one or two key players and are likely to struggle along with Driffield, Pocklington and Ripon.

Updated: 10:49 Friday, April 23, 2004