Leaders Baildon and Pudsey Congs are locked in what many see as a two horse race for the Bradford League First Division title.

Both clubs are still looking over their shoulders at Pudsey St Lawrence, who have jumped into third place, but they are 16 points behind Baildon and it is difficult to visualise them becoming serious championship contenders.

Congs had an open date last Saturday and Baildon took advantage by leapfrogging to the top after beating bottom club Brighouse.

However, Congs, a point behind Baildon with a game in hand, are back in action tomorrow when they face a tricky match at improving Cleckheaton and opening batsman Andy Bethel knows they cannot afford to slip.

"It's a tight situation," he said. "It is too early to say it is a two horse race. I know that Pudsey St Lawrence are three wins away from catching us and Baildon, but I always remember Hanging Heaton were 20 points in front at the halfway stage and lost it on the last day of the season.

"Baildon took advantage of our weekend off and they are playing really well. They outplayed us in the Priestley Cup quarter final a month ago, but I wouldn't discount St Lawrence. They have got a team that includes Paul Hutchison and Ian Fisher who haven't been picked by Yorkshire for most of the games.

"It is up to us to play consistently well in the second half of the season. We had a warning when we could only manage a losing draw in a 30 overs match against Brighouse chasing 100. I thought a bit of complacency set in on that day.

"You have got to fight and you have got to play well. There are no easy games and Cleckheaton won't be easy tomorrow. They will want the points just as much as we do."

Baildon won through to the Priestley Cup final by beating Bradford & Bingley and on Sunday they will reach the Heavy Woollen Cup final if they win at Meltham.

Tomorrow, though, captain James Goldthorp will be focusing on beating Farsley at Jenny Lane to keep their hold on top spot.

Farsley's own title chance suffered a bad blow when Australian pace bowler Andrew Downs suddenly decided to go home.

However, Goldthorp, who will be facing his elder brother in wicketkeeper-batsman John, warns: "Farsley are a good batting side and their captain Ashley Metcalfe is a match winner.

"We face a demanding programme and we need to win something to make all our efforts worthwhile."

Early order batman Paul Spragg returns to the Baildon side after missing last weekend's matches through injury.

Elsewhere, Undercliffe will be looking for their fourth win in a row under new captain Martin Kellaway when they play Priestley Cup finalists Yeadon at home.