East Bierley, who last won the JCT600 Bradford League title in 1996, have only mounted two serious challenges since.

And in both cases they were third - in 1999, when they were seven points behind winners Hanging Heaton, and in 2005, when they were eight points adrift of champions Woodlands.

It's early days yet, of course, but Bierley currently sit top of the pile after three matches, which is saying something when you consider that Woodlands have only dropped four bonus points.

However, Gavin Hamilton's Bierley have only dropped three and they certainly have admirers among their latest victims Idle, who went down by six wickets yesterday.

Steve Thompson, Idle's stand-in captain with Mark Nicklin opting to watch from the sidelines, said: "Bierley can certainly mount a title challenge.

"When we beat them in the Heavy Woollen Cup last season there was some disharmony in their ranks.

"But there was no sign of that on Saturday, they are clearly enjoying their cricket and have made some quality signings."

Idle batted first and, with Greg Lambert, Jaffer Nazir and impressive spinner Luke Jarvis among the wickets, they were 104 for five just after drinks.

But they were revived by Paul Cummins (58) and No 7 Neil Nicholson (66 not out), who added 76 for the sixth wicket.

Nicholson has been threatening to retire for several seasons now but, with his timing and placement still very much intact, the 43-year-old has surely made the right decision to continue.

"It was a classy innings - he plays the ball so late," said Thompson.

However, Idle's total was only "par" for South View Road, said Thompson, who was disappointed with his side's bowling. "We bowled too many four-balls'," said Thompson as Bierley won in 42.1 overs.

Tucking in to the pacy bowling of Micky Allen, Bierley notched up their half-century in just seven overs, which meant the pressure was off thereafter.

Opener Lee Goddard made 52, reaching his 50 off just 39 balls, and No 3 Andrew Rennison guided the hosts home with an unbeaten 73.

All-rounder Chris Brice starred as Woodlands defeated basement club Bowling Old Lane by eight wickets at Albert Terrace.

Brice took four for eight as Old Lane were dismissed for 144 and then made an unbeaten 48 as the champions recovered from four for two, Nicky Rushworth hitting an unbeaten 86.

Manningham Mills spiked Pudsey St Lawrence's unbeaten start.

Again proving that they bat a long way down, hosts Mills made 208 for seven, Ahsan Butt scoring 55 and Amar Rashid 44. Saints could only make 178 for nine in reply.

Amar's brother Haroon hit an unbeaten 103 for Brighouse but that was trumped by Pudsey Congs opener Alexis Twigg's 108 not out as the vistors won by six wickets to move into fourth a point behind Saints.

There were first victories for Farsley, off the last ball at home to Cleckheaton, and Hanging Heaton, who easily despatched Saltaire.

Tabbi Bhatti (87no) and Matthew Duce (81no) added 164 unbeaten as Baildon won at Bradford & Bingley.