CONTINUITY is playing a huge part in Farsley's bid to win the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League Premier Division.

Under Ryan Cooper's captaincy, the Rams have only lost one of their 14 matches and went top last weekend after a ten-wicket victory over Cleckheaton as rivals Hanging Heaton were losing at Lightcliffe.

It was only two seasons ago that Farsley were in a relegation battle with Undercliffe and Saltaire, who went down with 175 and 167 points respectively, while the Red Laners survived on 176.

Cleckheaton were third that year and Pudsey Congs fifth, but now they are scrapping to stay up, which shows just how swiftly things can change.

"There you are," said Cooper. "We were in a battle to stay up and then we made a couple of signings and finished third last year and now we are top and I see no reason why we can't stay there.

"One of the main reasons for our success is that we have 12 players that we pick from week in and week out, and we have a couple of good lads who can come in from the second team.

"This is a massive help as we basically have the same team, plus the odd signing, and we are a year older, a year wiser and are still a pretty young team.

"I am 24, James Wainman is 24, Dan Hodgson and the Pickles brothers are 27, with Mark Harrison at 30 and Chris Henry 35."

Farsley are on 210 points, seven clear of last year's runners-up Hanging Heaton and nine in front of Woodlands, with Pudsey St Lawrence fourth on 184 and Townville fifth on 163.

Farsley's only defeat was last month at home to Woodlands, which was the one occasion this season where the leaders have showed their naivety.

Woodlands made 221-9, and Farsley were ideally placed at 149-3 before losing clusters of wickets (3-12 and 4-7) in being dismissed for 190, with Cooper confessing: "We showed our inexperience chasing that day."

So, Farsley apart, who else is in the chase for the crown?

Cooper said: "Hanging Heaton and Woodlands, but not Pudsey St Lawrence as they are due to lose some points for disciplinary reasons – anything from ten to 40."

Farsley are at East Bierley on Saturday, while Hanging Heaton host New Farnley and Woodlands visit Saints.

However, although front-runners Hartshead Moor visit second-placed Hunslet Nelson in Championship Division One, it is more a weekend where cellar-dwelling teams face each other.

For example, next-to-bottom Cleckheaton are at home to third-from-bottom Batley in the top flight, and basement boys Birstall host Ossett, who are two places above them, in Championship Division One.

In Championship Division Two, strugglers Hopton Mills and Spen Victoria meet at Woodbottom.