Baildon has put itself on the local sporting map with storming starts to the summer season - in both golf and cricket.

While Baildon Golf Club's big guns are taking few prisoners at the top of the Division One Scratch League, across the road, the guys in white flannels are looking down from the top of the Bradford League.

An amazing double is not out of the question. Baildon Golf Club are overjoyed to be back among the leading lights after gaining promotion last year.

They only dropped out of Division One because of the foot and mouth outbreak when they were made to play all their

matches away from their testing moorland course.

More than a few visiting players have been made to look sheepish in the unforgiving rough - and to lose home advantage for a season was a huge blow.

Last week Baildon announced their return to the big-time by entertaining champions West Bradford and beating them 5-3.

Baildon captain Geoff Coles said: "The result was superb for us. Another point and we would have really had them."

The team's youngest player, 19-year-old Dan Thomas, said: "We like it up here. When it blows a gale we are thinking six or seven points. But we also have a fine away record and we have a good chance of winning the league. We have a strong squad and could put out two teams in the division."

Baildon Cricket Club committee member Mick Illingworth is happy both sports are doing well.

"It's excellent for the town. There are links between the clubs. Our president John Helm, for instance, is a keen golfer. When the clubs are doing well there is a feelgood factor in the community."

And Baildon Golf Club secretary John Cooley said: "Baildon is a real community. Our officials go to the cricket club dinners and they come to ours. Wouldn't it be great if the two teams won their leagues?"

Roger Pawson is treasurer at both clubs. he said: "There is an affinity between the clubs. There are a number of former Baildon cricketers who play here at the golf club. The two clubs put on golf days from time to time. I think the teams will do really well this year."

Tomorrow, Baildon travel to Cleckheaton who have yet to register a point while West Bradford welcome Keighley to their course.

Northcliffe play at Bingley St Ives.