Bedale CC begin their season at home to Great Ayton tomorrow under a new captain.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Andrew Smith takes over from Mark Ellis, who stands down after leading the side for the last ten years.

Smith will lead a side missing Guy Darwin, who has joined Stockton in the North East Premier League, and Phil Holdsworth, who has joined the Yorkshire Academy side.

But spinner Rich Mallender returns to add his guile and experience to a youthful Bedale side, who will be looking to rising stars James Clarkson and Martin Shillito to maintain the club's improvement since joining the North Yorkshire and South Durham League three years ago.

Adrian Grayson will lead the club's second team, who will hope to improve on last year's performances. They start their season at home to Barnard Castle on Sunday.

At the club's recent annual dinner, Phil Holdsworth was presented with a special award, having captained the England under-15 side during the 2002 season.

Other awards. - 1st XI batting: Guy Darwin; 1st XI bowling: Mark Ellis; 2nd XI batting: Mark Stephens; 2nd XI bowling: Martin Shillito; young player award: Martin Shillito; 1st XI player of the season: Guy Darwin; 2nd XI player of the season: Rick Hemmingway.