THIS is turning out to be an 'if only . . .' season for Bradford & Bingley.

The Wagon Laners are fifth in the JCT600 Bradford League Division One but things could have been so much better if they had won three tight matches earlier in the campaign.

New Farnley beat them by five runs on May 23, Woodlands by four runs on May 30 and leaders Pudsey St Lawrence by 14 on June 6.

"You can pick up a lot of points very quickly if you go on a run of games like St Lawrence have done," admitted Bradford & Bingley skipper Phil Slater, "and we are only halfway through the season.

"But we could have been second or third and been really challenging St Lawrence if we had won those three matches, none of which were decided by more than 15 runs.

"However, the good things are that we have been competitive in every match that we have played, and we have one of the best bowling attacks in the league."

Pace bowlers Jack Hartley (twice) and Matt Simpson already have three seven-wicket hauls between them this season, while the classy Noman Ali has frequently proved his worth with bat and ball.

Hartley snared 7-47 on the opening day against reigning champions Cleckheaton and followed that up with 7-42 against Farsley, while Simpson bagged 7-40 against East Bierley.

Another plus point for Slater's men is the style with which they have put away teams in the lower half of the table, such as Lightcliffe, Farsley, East Bierley and Saltaire.

Slater added of Hartley and Simpson: "They often bowl well as a pair with pace and hostility, and Jack is maturing all the time.

"He played for Leicestershire Seconds in midweek and doesn't just bowl as fast as he can all the time.

"He weighs up a batsman and then bowls in the areas that gives him the best chance of getting that player out.

"But our bowling has strength in depth. For example, Scott Etherington bowled a tight spell in the Priestley Cup tie with St Lawrence and I have also bowled and tightened things up."

Bingley made an impressive 244-8 at home to Cleckheaton on April 18, with Ryan Cooper scoring 84, before Cleckheaton were rolled over for 80.

However, Slater warned before the teams clash at Moorend tomorrow as the reverse fixtures start: "Cleckheaton are a good side and we are expecting a backlash. They haven't been champions for the past two seasons for nothing."

Cleckheaton are fourth (131), a point ahead of Bradford & Bingley, while Woodlands (second on 163) have an interesting test at New Farnley (sixth on 122). Leaders Saints (188) are at home to East Bierley, while Hanging Heaton (third on 138) are at Saltaire.

Division two leaders Morley are at Keighley tomorrow but have a free date on Sunday for what is the first of three double league weekends for the section.