Cricket: Pannal to withdraw from Harrogate Evening League in 2016

The 2015 Nidderdale League champions have switched leagues as part of the new Yorkshire Pyramid system and have chosen to hold a club training night rather than play midweek cricket.

Pannal finished third from bottom in Division One last season.

Captain Rob Ellis said players would be able to play for other sides in the Evening League, with training nights held on a Thursday.

Ellis said: "We have decided not to play in the Evening League to have a more structured training.

"That’s one of the aims of bringing juniors through and creating a more unified club atmosphere."

Pannal have been placed in YSL Galtres Division Two alongside local sides Ripon, Thorp Arch and Boston Spa and Wetherby for the forthcoming season.

They will begin the season on home turf against Thirsk on April 16 before a trip to Hovingham.

Ellis said Pannal are focusing on acclimatising themselves in 2016.

He added: "It’s obviously a journey into the unknown for us. We haven’t got a clue really what sort of standard we will be playing.

"I would be lying if I was to say we weren't looking to go straight up. You have to be positive and optimistic.

"The aim is certainly to be in the top half and push for promotion.

"But we have to be realistic. We are still a relatively small village side when compared to the likes of Harrogate, Beckwithshaw and Knaresborough."