Earby v Cherry Tree

Last season’s bottom club hope to get off to a flying start this time around and are boosted by the return to their ranks of Richard Craddock and Lee Parkinson.

Cherry Tree are once again captained by Mark Hadfield and former professional Naeem Ashraf has returned. They also give a debut to Ryan Hurley

Donlan says: Earby

Barnoldswick v Euxton

The reigning champions are at full strength as they begin the defence at Victory Park. Luke Hodgson now skippers Barlick and is determined to defend the title.

History will be made in the game as new boys Euxton play their first Ribblesdale League game and they want to try to spring a surprise.

Donlan says: Barnoldswick

Clitheroe v Great Harwood

Clitheroe look like real contenders this season and have strengthened their team with the signing of Paul Turner. They borrow Accrington pro Asher Zaidi.

Harwood are led by Stuart Maher on the opening day and are awaiting the arrival of professional Tiaan Cloete. They will field a substitute at Chatburn Road.

Donlan says: Clitheroe

Baxenden v Whalley

Baxenden begin a new era as they start life without Andy Caunce. Garry Sudworth has returned to Back Lane from Haslingden and he skippers the side.

Whalley could do well this season and the signing of star all-rounder David Howard is a real coup for Richard Palmer’s men, who are at full strength.

Donlan says: Whalley

Brooksbottom v Padiham

Brooksbottom start life in the league with ground problems. They have worked on the Brox all winter but the weather means the game has been switched to Rishton.

Padiham are now led by Callum Clarke and they have brought in former Colne bowler Nathan Whitehead as they look to push on. Chris Holt is once again professional.

Donlan says: Padiham

Edenfield v Salesbury

Edenfield have a new skipper this season with Adam Barnes taking over from Jamie Kelly, who is still injured. Paul Gallagher is professional and they are at full strength.

Steve Brown led Salesbury to their best finish in the league last term and they are boosted by the return of Peter Blackman and the signing of Mudassar Panchbhaya.

Donlan says: Edenfield

Oswaldtwistle I v Ribblesdale W

Oswaldtwistle Immanuel have strengthened this year with the capture of Andreas Sudnik from Cherry Tree and overseas amateur Lewis Mildenhall looks the real deal.

Martin Briggs is Ribblesdale Wanderers captain for 2013 and theh have signed Ben Dougall as overseas man. Brannon Varley could be a key performer.

Donlan says: Oswaldtwistle

Read v Settle

Kyle O’Connor’s men are expected to challenge once again with all eyes on Mohammed Jamil in his first year as pro. Jonathan Harvey willl be key.

Settle have borrowed Lancashire’s Andrea Agathangelou for the first three games as they await the arrival of Mansoor Amjad. Tom Davidson is out with a broken leg.

Donlan says: Read