COMPETITION is set to hot up in the D&S Times Wensleydale Evening League this summer with two new teams joining the fray.

Heighington and Dales, who play at Reeth, had their applications to join accepted recently, bringing the total number of teams involved to 13.

As a result, the league has decided to split the teams into two divisions, with a two up, two down promotion and relegation system in operation.

Heighington, who also have two teams competing in the Natwest Darlington and District League on Saturdays, decided to enter a team in the Wensleydale League to give their increasing number of younger players the chance to play competitive cricket.

Club secretary David Miller will also captain the Wednesday evening team. He said: "We were very pleased to be accepted into the league and we're raring to go.

"We've got a good mixture, with three or four more experienced players as well as the youngsters. Some of them play for the B team in the Darlington and District League, but we now have quite an influx of players."

The chance to provide young players with competitive cricket was also one of the motivations behind Dales' application.

The club also has a team in the B division of the Darlington and District League and secretary James Alderson said: "We've played some friendlies on a Sunday and we thought we would try to play some night matches to give some of the young ones the chance to get bat on ball.

"And some of us, like myself, just like playing at places like Thornton Watlass. You just can't beat it."

When the new season gets underway in May, there will be six teams in the top division and seven in the second division.

Div One: Newton-le-Willows, Masham, Richmond Mavericks, Leyburn, Thorp Perrow. West Tanfield. Div Two: Middleham, Spennithorne, Thornton Watlass, Crakehall, Eryholme, Heighington, Dales