What a difference a year can make.

This time 12 months ago Iain Wardlaw was a print and design seller in the county.

Now, the 26-year-old is trying to force his way into Yorkshire’s first team for the 2012 season by impressing on their pre-season tour of Barbados.

Plucked from Cleckheaton last June after impressing in a couple of training sessions, this is the former Bradford League player’s first full season as a professional.

After making six first-team appearances following his move to Headingley on an 18-month contract in 2011, he admits he can’t wait to get going again.

Speaking from the Caribbean, Wardlaw said: “It’s brilliant. I love it.

“It’s a bit of a change around really. This time last year I was driving around Yorkshire on the motorways selling print and design.

“Since day one the lads have been great. In the first net they came up and shook my hand and said ‘welcome’. I feel like I’m part of the team now, which is good.

“I’d like to play more than half the games in the first team (this season) and really establish myself as a one-day cricketer as well.

“A lot of the lads have come through the academy and I’ve missed out on that stage.

“I’m realistic and I know this isn’t going to last forever so I really want to make the opportunity count.”

Wardlaw’s first chance to stake his claim for a place in the Yorkshire starting XI in 2012 came on Tuesday.

The fast bowler was included in the Tykes’ team for their opening Twenty20 match of a pre-season tournament against Derbyshire in the Caribbean.

He was successful as well, bowling four tight overs to help Yorkshire beat their opponents by 60 runs at the Kensington Oval.

First it was captain Andrew Gale and York-based Jonny Bairstow who starred with the bat, making 46 and 48 respectively as Yorkshire posted 183-8 from their allotted overs.

Then, Ryan Sidebottom showed his class with the ball, taking four wickets to help to reduce the Falcons to 123-8 at the close.

It means the Tykes are now through to the semi-finals of the competition, which also involves Hampshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire and a number of local sides.

Yorkshire were scheduled to play their last-four tie this morning.

The final of the tournament takes place this evening.