With the new season upon us the league format has finally been formatted (we think), as ever it seems we have found ourselves in one of the most competitive and apparently popular leagues in the whole Pennine structure!

The majority of the league is made up from last years division 4 and 5 sides, and also local side Selby who despite still fielding 2 teams have managed to get the league to jump them 4 divisions down, hopefully Selby will be as genuine about their playing strength as Emley were last year, as opposed to some of the other teams we could mention in the league over the last few years who have been dropped a number of divisions only to enjoy a miraculous recovery before winning their way back up again at everyone else's expense, still time will tell I suppose on that score.

Other surprise's in this years league see Kinsley jumped up another division, bypassing 4 and going straight into 3, the reports coming out of Kinsley in pre-season were that they were struggling for numbers with some of their key players leaving to other Wakefield sides, whether this will prove to be the case or not will remain to be seen but it could prove a long hard season for Kinsley in the division above.

Other news is the surprise inclusion of Dearne Valley Bulldogs, finishing 3rd behind Whinmoor and the all conquering Victoria Rangers they were promoted to division 3 but seemed to have changed their mind and have come back down to 4 for another season.

This weekend will see the Bears open their season with a home match against another former division 3 side in Wortley Dragons, the Dragons struggled with life in a strong division 3 last year and will be looking to re-establish themselves this time round in the division below.

For the Bears it will be a new look and youthful side who will start the new season, with a number of new faces and lot of young talent, how quickly the Bears can gel into an effective attacking and defensive unit will probably determine their ambitions this season.

Kick off this Saturday will be at 2.30pm at Eversely Park, players are asked to meet at 12.30 to 1pm, if your going to be late or not available please let Kev, Steve or Matt know asap.