Better batting, better fielding and better luck have seen Bradford & Bingley become major Division One title contenders again over the last six weeks.

Skipper Phil Slater believes they are the main reasons behind his side’s unbeaten run since May 22, which has seen them rise from seventh to third ahead of the visit of champions Baildon on Saturday.

Even more impressive is their record over the last four games, the Wagon Laners having beaten title rivals Pudsey St Lawrence, Pudsey Congs and Wood-lands, plus East Bierley in the Priestley Cup.

It is form which suggests last season’s runners-up finish – easily their best since promotion in 2004 – was no flash in the pan.

And, as Slater puts it, it gives them ‘a hell of a lot of confidence’ as the season reaches its business end.

The skipper, whose side play Cleckheaton on Sunday in the Priestley Cup semi-final, said: “Earlier on, we were playing good cricket but were getting no luck whatsover.

“Balls were being chipped just over fielders’ heads, whereas now they are starting to go to hand.

“Our fielding has picked up and we have started batting better and as a unit. We are keeping wickets in hand instead of losing three or four early doors.”

If there were improvements which could be made on last season’s impressive campaign, Slater felt it was in the batting and evidence suggests it has.

Bingley have scored more batting points than anyone in the division, including maximum hauls against both Pudsey sides in their last two games.

Instrumental in last week’s win over St Lawrence was new Sri Lankan signing Naveed Gharni, who scored 76 and took 4-67.

“He is doing fantastic,” said Slater. “He has scored a lot of runs and becoming a very good player.

“He has played at national junior level and is studying in Bradford for three years.”

Slater knows his side must be on their mettle if they are to continue their run against his old club tomorrow.

He said: “Baildon have Mushtaq Ahmed back after injury which is a massive boost and other top players are starting to come to the fore.

“It is a difficult game but one we feel we can win if we keep up our high level of performance.”

Undercliffe entertain Pudsey St Lawrence and Woodlands host East Bierley in the other two big clashes of the day.