IT has been a fairy-tale start to life in Division One of the Bradford Premier League for Jer Lane Cricket Club.

They have shocked many since their arrival to the second tier, but perhaps they shouldn’t have. The Bradford club stormed to the Division Two title last season and their momentum looks like it could carry them to the Division One title as well in this year’s campaign (currently first).

With a game against Baildon to look forward to this weekend, it has given captain Raqeeb Younis the chance to reflect on what has been a brilliant first half of the season.

He said: “I know the table doesn't suggest it but it is a much tougher league than last year, the standard is a lot better. Thankfully for us, everyone has stepped up this year and taken to the challenge extremely well.

"As you can tell by the results and performances, everyone has contributed, looked to shine and we are all enjoying ourselves. Not only that, the togetherness of this group is like no other. We have played together for years and it is showing.

"The comradery is there and we all want each other to succeed, it doesn't matter who is batting or bowling. We all have each others best interests at heart and that is what makes a great team."

Despite their blistering start to life in Division One of the Bradford Premier League, Younis admitted that their form has come somewhat as a surprise.

On the matter, he said: "Yes it has to be honest (come as a surprise). Our aim at the start of the season was to survive and bring a certain amount of respectability to our performances, so being where we are now is a big shock to the system, not just for us but to the club as a whole."

Younis added: "We've all played together in the Halifax League before and we could see we were a talented squad then too, so there has always been that question of whether we could play at a higher level.

"I knew we could, but it was mainly about player application and that kind of thing, but we've proven we can reach that level now.

"The standard is good in this league but I think we always knew that we could cause some problems for the other teams in this division."

Jer Lane host Baildon today in what should be a fairly routine victory for the hosts on paper, but the Bradford side's captain has urged his side not to take this one lightly.

"Because of where we have got ourselves in the table, we need to take each game as it comes and Baildon will be another challenge for us. Yes, they might be ninth in the table but cricket is a funny old game.

"Anything can happen on the day; we might have an off day and their batters might play out of their skins so we won't be taking this one lightly, that's for sure."