ALL-ROUNDER Paul Houldsworth has been appointed a Great Harwood's new captain as they look to end their 101-year wait to lift the Jennings Ribblesdale League title.

The 30-year-old, who has been at the club since he was a junior bar a short spell with Enfield in the Lancashire League, replaces Gordon Simpson, who is stepping down after three seasons at the helm due to personal reasons.

Harwood chairman Richard Cheesbrough said: "We are sure that along with new professional Farhan Adil, who is enjoying fine form in Pakistan, we can have yet another successful season and perhaps go that one step further and secure top spot at last. "It would be especially sweet for the club, supporters and town to do so with a team of Great Harwood lads who have come through from the junior ranks with their skipper."

The club's second team also has a new captain in David Pickering. He replaces Ian Threlfall, who is looking to play first-team cricket this summer. Paul Barker has been reappointed captain of the third team.

Meanwhile, Harwood have arranged pre-season friendlies at Darwen on Saturday, April 14 and at home to Accrington the following day.