West Bradford, champions of the Bradford Scratch league two years ago, are in danger of being relegated for the first time in more than 20 years.

But long-serving player Paul Thomas has not given up hope despite being entrenched at the foot of the table.

Last week, West Bradford won their first match of the season -

6-2 over Bradford Moor - and tomorrow they have a vital clash against second-bottom Cleckheaton.

"We are very keen to beat Cleckheaton - we always have a good game against them," said Thomas.

"But the standard has got so much better in the league. There was a time you could get people off five or six handicap playing in the first division team and winning all the time. But now if you are off scratch you can be looking for a win.

"We are just one-a-week men at West Bradford so we haven't done that badly considering."

West Bradford's problem is they have lost three quality players - Darryl Berry, who has turned professional, Terry Brushwood and Mark Evans.

"They all left for different clubs," said Thomas. "They are quality players.

"But Richard Ellis came back to the club to play and we have Mark Birkett. The three of us have been there all season, supported by Martin Rothera, Rory Leach and Patrick Dempsey.

"We are used to success at West Bradford. But we need to win our last few games if we are to stay up."

Apart from the top two, any of the next five teams can be relegated - even champions Baildon, who are seven points off the bottom and have played an extra game.

Baildon travel to Calverley tomorrow.