Fielding is often the most overlooked part of the three disciplines of the game – but it is the one that Keighley skipper Richard Robinson feels is letting his team down the most.

It certainly contributed to their third straight JCT600 Bradford League Division Two defeat as they lost a tight match to second-placed Farsley at Lawkholme Lane last Saturday.

Robinson said of the fielding: “It is been an on-going thing all season, and it is the basics that we are getting wrong, like ground fielding, anticipation and backing up.”

In a game that was reduced to 35 overs per side because of rain, Keighley won the toss and made 169-4.

“The batting is going fine,” said Robinson, who watched Matthew Bottomley (49) and Freddie Pearson (34) put on 81 for the first wicket before playing second fiddle in a partnership of 57 for the fourth wicket with Ross Towler, who was promoted to No 4 and scored a brisk unbeaten 43.

“We put Ross up the order as a pinch-hitter and it paid off,” explained Robinson.

Farsley replied with 170-6, winning with just seven balls to spare, which just backed up Robinson’s point about the importance of saving those runs in the field.

Opener Andrew Duckworth made 44, former skipper Ian Philliskirk 46 and new captain Barrie Frankland 40 not out as Tom Stead took 3-46 and Paul Quinlan 2-36.

“It just shows the strength in depth of Farsley when you get Ashley Metcalfe out and you have two more quality players in Ian Philliskirk and Barrie Frankland to dismiss.

“They will be right up there with New Farnley for promotion, while hopefully we will finish in the top six.”

Others expected to be in the top six are Spen Vic-toria, Yeadon, Windhill and Undercliffe.

Four of those potential top six meet on Saturday, with leaders New Farnley hosting Spen Victoria (fourth) and Undercliffe (seventh) travelling to Yeadon (third), who have won their last four matches, having initially lost to new Farnley.

Tomorrow, Keighley (sixth) are at improving Brighouse (11th), with Robinson saying: “We need to get back to winning ways but it will be interesting.”

Windhill (fifth) have a tricky match at Gomersal (ninth), while Farsley have a very winnable match at basement club Great Horton.

Surprise First Division leaders Manningham Mills have a test of their mettle at fifth-placed Cleckheaton, while second-placed East Bierley, who are only a point adrift of Mills, are at bottom side Saltaire.

Woodlands and Pudsey Congs are each a point back in third and fourth in a very congested leading quartet.

The Oakenshaw club are at home to Bradford & Bingley (ninth), while Congs have a decent test at home to Lightcliffe (seventh).

Key clash at the bottom is Baildon (tenth on 34 points) v Morley (11th on 27).