Defending Yorkshire Premier League champions York are determined to retain their title and stay at the top.

Secretary and all-rounder Nick Kay said: "We only tasted success four years ago and are still pretty driven.

"People think we've had five years of success and that's it, but I can assure you we are committed to having another five years."

York entertain Rotherham on Saturday, while Scarborough go to runners-up Barnsley and Castleford host Harrogate.

Kay said it was unclear how strong York would be because half of their first-team has changed.

Alex Renton has travelled all of 200 yards from York and District Senior League champions Clifton Alliance, and Kay expects a good season for opening bowler Neil Laidlaw who has joined York from Thirsk. Dan Wilson returns as their overseas player.

I want to win the league every year as long as I play here York all-rounder Nick Kay

"In 2006 he made about 900 runs and took a few wickets and he's promised me he's a better player than last time," added Kay.

As defending champions, Kay is aware that York are the side everyone else wants to beat.

But he warned: "I want to win the league every year as long as I play here."

After finishing fourth last season Scarborough captain Darren Harland said: "We want to finish as high as possible.

"There's every chance we could be top three and hopefully contend for the League Cup again, which we won last year."

Scarborough have lost the Gilbert brothers and wicketkeeper Graham Wilson, but have signed Sam Anderson from Bradford League side Spen Victoria, along with off-spinner James Finch from the Yorkshire academy.

If everyone stays fit I would think we'd be in the top half Harrogate chairman Miles Rawlings

Their overseas player is Zimbabwean all-rounder Piet Rinke who will open the bowling.

"He's played 18 one-day internationals so he's fairly experienced for a 26-year-old," added Harland.

After a season of transition in which they finished 11th, Harrogate chairman Miles Rawlings said: "If everyone stays fit I would think we'd be in the top half [of the table].

"All of the youngsters are a year older and hopefully will contribute a little bit more."

Harrogate have a new captain and opening bowler in former Kent player David Stiff.

Rawlings added: "He went to Leicestershire last year where unfortunately he got injured, and now he's back trying to get back into the Yorkshire set-up."