Cricket: Skipper Richard McCarthy is confident that Bradford & Bingley can maintain their Bradford League Division One championship challenge after climbing into joint second place.

Bingley, who last won the title in 1992, are at home to Hanging Heaton tomorrow - the dark horses of the race for honours.

McCarthy, in his first season as captain, said: "I am very happy with the way things have gone. We are playing as a team and enjoying our cricket - I think that makes a big difference. I think we will be there or thereabouts at the end."

With Peter Graham, David Pennett and McCarthy, himself, as pace bowlers and Gareth Batty and Matthew Cockshott as spinners, Bingley have a well balanced bowling attack, but McCarthy said: "Sometimes I have got too many bowling options."

Bingley go into the Hanging Heaton match full of confidence after their crushing win over Farsley.

Of his championship rivals, McCarthy rates Baildon highly, but he regards new leaders East Bierley as the team to beat. "They look very strong and have got good depth," he said. "They have got a blend of youth and experience similar to us. I think that makes a big difference."

East Bierley play in the match of the day at home to Baildon. The visitors are thirsting for revenge after being knocked out of the Priestley Cup by Bierley last Sunday. They also lost top spot in the league the day before..

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