Cricket: Cleckheaton skipper Chris Pickles could be celebrating twice over after a double weekend of Bradford League matches.

For, Cleckheaton could be promoted if they win their matches against Bankfoot at home and Lidget Green away while Pickles needs only 54 runs to reach the coveted 1,000 league run mark for the fourth time in his career.

The former Yorkshire all-rounder who returned to lead Cleckheaton back into the First Division said: "Our objective has never changed from day one.

"We have the strength to be the best side in the division and if we don't win the title but still get promotion it will be disappointing.

"The club obviously want promotion, but I want to win the championship as well. It's not been easy, though, because we are the side everyone wants to beat.

"The attitude when we won at Hartshead Moor last Saturday was fabulous.

"The players have got the feeling they want to win a trophy not just win promotion and that's great.

"Reaching the 1,000 mark would also be nice. I scored 1,000 runs three years in a row in the First Division with Spen Victoria, but we always seemed to be fighting to stay up.

"Whereas this year we are trying to win promotion.

"So, there is a more positive purpose behind the runs I am scoring so it means a bit more to me.

"I don't want to give my wicket away because there is a lot at stake, but I have loved the captaincy - it has been brilliant."

"I must admit, though, I am keyed up and nervous about this weekend."

Brighouse also seem to be assured of promotion, but there is a great battle going on for third place with only eight points separating Drighlington, Idle, Bankfoot and Yeadon.

The battle for the First Division championship race has developed into a three horse race with leaders Baildon holding a five point advantage over second placed Bradford & Bingley with five matches to play.

On the face of it, Baildon appear to have the slightly easier weekend with home matches against out of form Hanging Heaton and relegation threatened Bowling Old Lane.

But the only three league matches Mick Emmerson's team have lost have been at their Jenny Lane ground so they will be wary of that record.

Bingley play mid-table Spen at home tomorrow before visiting another team in relegation trouble, fourth from the bottom Yorkshire Bank the following day.

It is also a big weekend for third placed Farsley who play two clubs, Pudsey Congs and East Bierley, who have just fallen out of the title race.

While most eyes are fixed on the race for the First Division championship, one other issue could be settled in a double weekend of Bradford League matches with First Division bottom club Saltaire will almost certain to be relegated.

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