CRICKET: Two of the leading Bradford League players of the past decade could hold the key to tomorrow's match of the day in the Second Division.

Ambitious promotion rivals Brighouse and Cleckheaton do battle with captains David Jay and Chris Pickles set to play leading parts in the action.

These experienced cricketers seem miscast in Division Two and do not aim to stay there any longer than is necessary.

Jay, who suffered relegation in his first season at Brighouse, not only wants to lead his side back at the first attempt, but to build a team capable of doing well in Division One.

Pickles shares the same ambitions at unbeaten leaders Cleckheaton who are four points ahead of second-placed Brighouse.

Jay, who played under Pickles for the Bradford League in their easy seven-wicket victory over the York League two weeks ago, acknowledges that his friend and rival could be a match winner.

He said: "Chris Pickles' record speaks for itself. He is a very dangerous player. If he bats for any length of time he will score runs. We must make sure that he doesn't bat 20 overs for instance, otherwise he is capable of making 70 or 80 runs."

Jay, who has won League and Cup honours with his previous clubs, notably in his ten year spell at East Bierley, has been in the game long enough not to take anything for granted, but said: "We have a pretty strong side, stronger than we had in Division One last season mainly because we have got more experienced players in the team."

That experience is provided by two shrewd winter signings, Skelmanthorpe batsmen Graham Higgins and Richard Crossland.

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