CAPTAIN James Finch is not ruling Woodhouse Grange CC out of a Yorkshire Premier League North title challenge - but insists his side will not be fancied.

Grange finished runners-up last year, nine points behind York, but Finch believes competition might be tougher this year because of other teams' recruitment.

With neither side able to complete their games last week, "underdogs" Grange's visit to champions York tomorrow will be a big league opener proper for the pair.

"Quite a few teams have strengthened significantly," he said of Grange's title chances.

"From our point of view, last season was brilliant and expectations will rise because of it.

"But top five and a decent cup is what success would look like for us. That would be progress from our point of view.

"I'm not saying we can't win it. We'll be there or thereabouts but there will be no pressure on us to win it."

Finch added: "(York) is a massive game. Coming here so early in the season hasn't given anybody the chance to be in or out of form. It'll be interesting.

"We'll be underdogs but we showed last year we can give anybody a game on our day.

"York will be optimistic because they're stronger on paper, but they will be cautious of the threat Woodhouse Grange hold.

"From my point of view, the pressure is all on York."

Grange's winter recruitment has been minimal but efficient this year, with the Acomb skipper, bowler Tom Neal, the only incoming.

"It was more important not losing anybody," Finch explained.

"Our main worry over winter was our better players being poached, so that was the biggest success for us.

"We're exactly the same apart from Tom.

"We should be strong."

Seam bowler Steve Burdett (back) is the only absentee for Saturday's game.

Clifton Alliance host Sheriff Hutton Bridge, table-toppers Dunnington visit Harrogate, Sessay are at home to Castleford and Stamford Bridge welcome Yorkshire Academy.