And both Burnley and Lowerhouse, with titles under their belts in recent seasons, are aiming for more silverware.

On paper, Lowerhouse have a strong team.

Despite the loss of Jon Finch, Chris Benbow, Hassan Khan, Will Driver and Matt Hope from the side that began last season, they still look like one of the teams to watch.

They were in the thick of the title race for most of last season, but eventually finished fifth.

And they will now be looking to get the new season underway with a win when they travel to Bacup on Sunday.

Two matches last weekend saw more useful workouts as all the Lowerhouse senior players were put through their paces.

It also saw a return to the club for Hasan Khan against Sale on Sunday.
The previous day Lowerhouse scored 259-3 against Heaton as Chris Bleazard, Ben Heap and Charlie Cottam all retired with half-centuries to their credit.

Jack McGregor and Joe Hawke also made useful contributions, before Heap (4-11) and Paul Stansfield (2-16) helped bowl Heaton out for 156.
Against Sale, Scott Hope claimed 3-37 as the home side totalled 207-6.
Phil Edmondson (48) and Patrick Martin (20) were the main run-getters as Lowerhouse were dismissed for 125.

Having won the title in 2007, Burnley were disappointed to finish last season with just two teams below them.

But they have been boosted by the return of Vishal Tripathi and will also be looking for a winning start when they entertain Rawtenstall on Sunday.

Lancashire League games start at 1-15 p.m.

Burnleys warmed up for the start of the season with a five-wicket win in their friendly against Rawtenstall last Sunday.

Rawtenstall batted first and were bowled out for 153.

The wickets were shared between the bowlers, but notable contributions came from Gareth Halley (3-16), Qasim Ali 2-12 and Steven Brunt (2-34).

In reply the home side eased to their target with Daniel Pickup (33) and Vishal Tripathi (46) setting up the victory with a good opening partnership.

They were followed by Chris Burton (18) and Michael Kelly (25 not out) to see the home side to victory.

Read started the new Veka Ribblesdale League season with a win at Whalley on Saturday and will be looking for more of the same when they entertain Blackburn Northern tomorrow.

Padiham lost their opener when they entertained Settle and will be looking for their first win when they make te short trip to the Applegarth to face Earby tomorrow.

Ribblesdale League games start at 1-30 p.m.