Bradford League: Pace bowler Peter Graham, now in his 23rd Secure Trust Bank Bradford League season, is relishing the visit to a club who mount a strong challenge to Bradford & Bingley's championship crown.

Rain prevented Pudsey Congs starting their season at Cleckheaton last week while Bingley beat the weather to earn four points from a drawn 30 over match against Yorkshire Bank at Wagon Lane.

The only side to do better than them were Farsley who gained six points from their win at Pudsey St Lawrence.

Graham, one of the most accurate and economical bowlers in the league was quickly back into his familiar grove, conceding only four runs in ten overs while taking two wickets.

"It was a good start for us," he said. "At least we got a game in and a finish. Pudsey Congs look to have a useful side, but a lot will depend on Yorkshire calls.

"I am sure their new captain Matthew Doidge will do a good job after joining them from Farsley. He is a good skipper and a good player. I am sure they are going to be one of the front runners in the title race.

Graham believes Bingley will miss 20-year-old opening batsman and off spinner Gareth Batty who spin bowler plays tomorrow, but whose appearances are expected to be limited now that he has signed a two year contract with Surrey.

"He is a positive all-round cricketer," said Graham. "Let us hope he makes the grade with Surrey - I am sure he will."

Congs will miss pace bowler Matthew Hoggard, but are expected to include all-rounder James Middlebrook who blossomed in the Yorkshire side in the second half of last season along with new signings Doidge, Australian Damien Shanahan and Windhill batsman Neil Nicholson.

Another eye catching match in the First Division sees last season's runners-up Baildon taking on 1997 champions Undercliffe at Jenny Lane.

Two of last season's promoted clubs Brighouse and Bankfoot meet while Second Division champions Cleckheaton will get an early test of their First Division credentials at Farsley, now captained by John Goldthorp.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.