So here we are; the wait is finally over, and the new season kicks off this week. We have an exciting season ahead, we have a new league format and new teams. The first week is always hard to preview as there are always unknowns, team form, and how good the new teams are.

Clayton Con Club v Strawberry Gardens
Clayton signed some new players and is optimistic that this will help them improve this season. The Strawberry Gardens have also made team changes for their second G&DPL season. A Droylsden derby as a first game will give one of these teams a better start than last season.
Last season: Clayton Con Club 5 vs 3 Strawberry Gardens

Gorton Con Club B vs. The Holdsworth
This match should be a decent one between two fairly even teams. Gorton ‘B’ are hoping to get off to a good start this season against The Holdsworth, who are not exactly a new team, just a new venue. Made up of some of the old Friendship team, they are making a new start at the Holdsworth after the sad closure of the Friendship. They hope to continue in the same vein as last year, where they picked up a lot of good wins. Gorton ‘B’, after they have introduced new players, will be looking to get off to a better start than last year’s 6-2 first match defeat.
Last season: N/A

Prince of Wales vs. The Sidings
There are a few player changes on both sides, which could make this an interesting match. The Prince, champions for the last two seasons, will be looking to get off to a better start than last season. They lost the opening game, their first league game in a year. The Sidings will be looking to better last year’s results, especially after they are a team that can pose a threat to any on their day.
Last season: Prince of Wales 5 vs 3 The Sidings

Strawberry Duck vs. Steelworks Tavern
Another match and another new team, the Strawberry Duck, are pretty much unknown, so it will be hard to figure out how to play them. Their captain is John Hughes, who returns to the league after a time away. If his team show the same quality we know John has, they will almost certainly cause a few upsets along the way. The Steelworks are always a good, strong league side and have been improving over the last few years. They have got to finals, and team members have won things, so they will be looking to avoid an early setback.
Last season: N/A

Studio Bar vs. Prince of Wales ‘B’
This is an interesting match. The Studio has a new captain, Chris, and a couple of quality new players. Prince ‘B’ is a mix of the old Friendship and Cotton Tree teams. The Studio’s talent means they will be clear favourites, but as we have seen repeatedly in this league, no team can be discounted, and looking at Prince ‘B’s team, they will be capable of anything.
Last season: N/A

The Buxton vs. Waggon & Horses ‘B’
One of last year’s surprise packages, the Buxton, started slow but then found themselves and took some big wins along the way before having a mixed end to the season. They will, however, be hoping to get off to a good start and keep it going this season. The Waggon B is a new team that will have a few familiar faces, but as I write this, they are pretty much unknown. It’s a hard one to predict.
Last season: N/A

Waggon & Horses vs. Gorton Con Club
The Waggon are a great team; they always play in the right spirit and have a good time, but don’t underestimate them, they have proven to be giant killers in the past. They have added some new players, too, so they will be looking to cause an early-season surprise. The GCC are an incredibly talented team, winning the main Team KO and last year’s teams doubles league. Will they equal last year’s results, or will the Waggon get their upset?
Last season: Waggon & Horses 1 vs 7 Gorton Con Club