Local Cricket: Baildon and Bradford & Bingley are preparing for a possible championship showdown at Jenny Lane on Sunday in the Bradford League First Division.

By coincidence the league fixtures switched from Saturday, April 18 pair the two top sides against each other in what could be a dramatic, winner takes all end to the season.

But Bingley hold a five point lead at the top after they beat Farsley at home while Baildon were frustrated by the weather for the second match in a row and had to settle for a one point draw at Pudsey Congs.

However, before Sunday's possible championship showdown, Bingley and Baildon have tricky matches tomorrow and the unsettled weather which has dominated this season could still have the last word.

Baildon play Priestley Cup winners East Bierley at home looking for revenge for their quarter final defeat.

At the same time, Bingley, without Yorkshire batsman Bradley Parker, are away to Hanging Heaton for whom opening batsman Steve Bartle and pace bowler John Carruthers were in brilliant form in their surprise win at Bierley last week.

Bingley skipper Richard McCarthy, who has been re-appointed captain for next year, is looking for his third title in nine seasons at Wagon Lane - but he is taking nothing for granted.

"We must forget about Baildon on Sunday and concentrate on Hanging Heaton," he said. "They will not the type of side to roll over and die but will keep all the way and it's not going to be easy, especially on their own ground."

Bingley's rise to title favourites is a remarkable transformation from the day in mid-July when they lost by eight wickets at home to East Bierley after being bowled out for just 50.

Since then they have won seven out of nine matches and drawn two and looked certain to win another only to be foiled by the weather.

McCarthy said: "We didn't have any luck in the Bierley game whereas they had all the luck, but since then we have not looked back.

"Everyone has played his part and our opening batsmen Gareth Batty and Martin South have been absolutely brilliant.

"Baildon have also had an excellent season and I have lot of respect for their captain Mick Emmerson.

"He is very shrewd and gets the best out of some very good players."

Baildon captain Mick Emmerson said: "There is no way we will underestimate East Bierley.

"When they beat us in the cup we felt they were the strongest we had played all season and tomorrow they will be adding Anthony McGrath and Ian Fisher so if they play to their potential it is going to be tough for us.

"We have played well as a team all season and the good thing is that our batsmen are in good form."

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