THE new season gets underway this week with a baptism of fire for top division newcomers Markland Hill C.

Last season’s B Section champions are at Bury Drill Hall tomorrow night to play A Section champions Bury while Markland Hill A, who finished as league championship runners-up, meet Hawkshaw A tonight at their new Radcliffe base.

B Section runners-up Forrest C open their A Section campaign away to Oakgate A.

Runners-up in C Section, Sharples B entertain DL Farnworth A for their B Section opener.

Oakgate B – who went through the whole of last season without conceding a match – have to wait a week to start their B Section fixtures and then face old adversaries Sharples B.

D Section champions Deane B meet DL Farnworth C for their first C Section fixture. Newly-promoted Smithills A also play Forrest F.

GMT, third-placed in D Section last season, have also been promoted and have a tough first match against Moorside A who just missed promotion.

Club secretaries are asked to note that all enquiries about Forrest BC teams should now be directed to acting secretary Ray Schofield on 01204 667498 (daytime) or 01257 480961 (evening) or by email to raymondo7@btinternet.com The Bolton Badminton League is boasting a new-look management committee.

At the last league meeting, tributes were made to long-serving members Graham Crompton and Mike Jennings whose practical help and dedication have made such a difference over the years.