Coaches are fond of saying the season is a marathon and not a sprint but, whatever the length of the race, it helps to get off to a good start.

West Bowling have certainly done that as they sit proudly at the top of the Championship table in the Pennine League at the halfway stage in the campaign.

The Bradford club, coached by Bulls kitman and groundsman Leigh Beattie and assisted by former Bowling player Elliott Whitehead, have won nine of their opening ten games.

The competition for amateur open-age clubs, which runs from September to April, has nine divisions in total, comprising several Bradford clubs.

Wibsey Warriors lie mid-table in the Premier Division after five wins and five defeats in their first ten matches.

West Bowling top the division below and Keighley lie second, with Birkenshaw handily-placed in third in the First Division.

Wyke lie fourth in the Second Division while Clayton are bottom after a difficult first half to the season, which has seen them have points deducted for not being able to fulfil fixtures.

Odsal Sedbergh are third in the Third Division while Keighley outfit Silsden are second-bottom in the same division.

Undercliffe Wildboars are second in the Fourth Division, which also includes Queensbury A, Drighlington A and Wibsey Warriors A.

West Bowling A lie fourth in the Sixth Division with Wyke A and Queensbury B mid-table in the Seventh Division.

Pennine League action resumes on Saturday, with all teams competing across all divisions.