Even three weeks into the new season, this feels like a big game for Barnsley as they look to put light between themselves and the foot of the table. Cawthorne, like Barnsley, have had a mixed start to the season, having won one and lost one. However with Barnsley securing four points in their loss, it sees the side separated by four places in the early standings. Barnsley are currently fourth in a congested table, with only three teams still unbeaten.

Barnsley have had some star performances already this season, South African Sean Whitehead was instrumental in their win at Shiregreen, backed up by Jash Giyanani with the bat. Manny Shinwari took a five for the in same game. Last week it was Owen Smith’s 147 from just 150 balls that propelled them to four points. Jash Giyanani also taking five wickets in what has to be said, as a poor performance with the bowl and especially the fielding.

Rehan Khan and Lucas Slatter have been called up into the first team this week and will be a great opportunity for the pair, who played well last week at Upper Haugh.

Cawthorne have lost a couple of players this summer, with Michael Jepps and Luke Ogden not playing at Dark Lane. It looks a complete new side with only Harry Allison, from Harrogate, who is known in the area. Cawthorne have been known in the past to utilise players from over the Manchester border and that seems to have been the route they’ve gone down again this season.

Smiths big innings last week sees him top the run charts with Allison sitting in fifth place.

Twelve points today, for either side, will set the tone for the start of the campaign.