Now in his fifth season in the JCT600 Bradford League, Chris Thompson seems to be growing into his role.

The true mark of an all-rounder is that you always come out of a match having done something.

And rarely so far this campaign has the 22-year-old former Idle player failed in that sense.

The Bradford & Bingley player already has an unbeaten 53 under his belt against Baildon and made 37 against Bowling Old Lane last Saturday.

As for bowling, he took four for 43 on the opening day against Brighouse, and already has ten wickets to his name at a decent economy rate too.

When you add to the equation that he is a gully specialist, then it is small wonder that he is rated as one of the leading young all-rounders in the league.

"Only once have I failed to make double figures this season, and that was last Monday when I was run out for nought, but it wasn't my fault," laughed Thompson, whose dad Steve keeps wicket for Idle.

"Things are going pretty well this season, although obviously I would like to be turning more of my double-figure innings into fifties.

"As for bowling, I tend to come on first change after Ethy Mbhalati or Richard McCarthy.

"I am only bowling one spell and early on I am pinning batsmen down but it is only late in my spell when I am tiring that I am being hit for runs.

"It's also nice to field in the gully. I fielded there for Idle. I like fielding behind the wicket but overall I probably under-achieved while I was with Idle."

On Saturday, eighth-placed Bingley are at home to Manningham Mills, who are one point and one place above them.

Thompson added: "I definitely see us as a top-five side, although Baildon are proving a surprise package in third."

Baildon are involved in the match of the day at home to fourth-placed Pudsey St Lawrence, while leading duo East Bierley and Woodlands must both be strong favourites to win.

Bierley are at home to bottom club Farsley, whose only bowling point against Saints last week came from two run-outs.

Woodlands are at home to second-from-bottom Hanging Heaton, who, although they have only won two matches, have more potential than Farsley to spring a surprise packgae.

New-look Pudsey Congs, who are realising what an asset Glen Roberts is but are still too inconsistent, entertain Saltaire.

Cleckheaton - who have become more consistent via the all-round talents of Ian Wood - are at Bowling Old Lane, who are only five points above a relegation place in third from bottom.

Former Idle player Mark Gilliver returns to Cavendish Road with his Brighouse side.

Idle, for whom opener Harvey Anderson desperately needs a decent score, are finding life without Dinusha Fernando predictably difficult. In particular, none of the bottom six clubs can rest easy.