THE Super League will have new sponsors Ovalworld on board when the fixtures get underway this Sunday.

Valuable support from the Little Harwood-based retail outlet Ovalworld will provide added prizes for the division, already recognised as an excellent association.

Prize distribution amongst member clubs is quite unique with special individual merit awards, singles competitions and team knockouts providing notable competition for everyone involved.

The league has a new look this term and in my opinion all the better for the addition of new teams Ighten Mount, Fishwick Ramblers and Railway Lostock.

All three clubs are top class venues that meet the required standards of the league and are sure to be a pleasure for the rest of the teams to visit on their travels.

Incidentally, there remain a couple of vacancies in the division and applications are being taken to make up the maximum 12 teams for next year.

Reigning champions Alexandra begin the defence of the title with a home fixture against newcomers Railway who are well known keen competitors.

But the current champs are expected to do well again after remembering their record points total last year.

Two other local teams determined to improve on the 1998 campaign are Witton and Sunnybank who finished third and fourth in the division respectively. Another dozen points from these sides will be enough to lift them into the title race which looks set to be another intriguing affair.

Certainly there is everything to play for with several runners-up prizes to be won.

Rose N' Bowl Stacksteads could be a surprise package with a couple of new signings in the side this time.

Only time will tell if the new clubs will feature as serious championship contenders but past records of clubs in their first season has not impressed.

However, previous champions St Annes Ex-Serviceman's Club are my tip for the title this year with two more county players in the squad are my pre-season favourites.

Whatever the outcome it all adds up to another exciting programme backed again by Brownhill-based financial adviser Terry Sayers who sponsors the Individual Merit Awards and end of season KO tournament.

Fixtures for Sunday, 11am start: Alexandra v Railway Lostock; Bamber Bridge v Ighten Mount; Frenchwood v St Annes; Stacksteads v Witton; Sunnybank v Fishwick Rambers.

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