THE battle at the bottom of The All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League’s Premier Division will be the focus of attention tomorrow.

Bottom-team Pudsey Congs take on their old rivals Pudsey St Lawrence and second-bottom Cleckheaton are at home to East Bierley.

Currently 29 points separate East Bierley in ninth and Congs as the season builds towards its conclusion. East Bierley have 145 points, Batley 138, Cleckheaton 125 and Congs 116.

Over the past 17 years the Pudsey derby has often been a fixture that has had a key bearing on the destiny of either the league title or the Priestley Cup, but this time it may have a big impact on the relegation battle.

Skipper Babar Butt has won six league championships and five Priestley Cups with Congs but this is the first time he has found himself embroiled in a relegation battle.

Jonathan Donnelly, Josh Holling and Josh Wheatley are the only other members of his youthful side that have previously played in a derby clash as the first match between the sides this season was washed out on May Bank Holiday Monday.

With five games to go its is clear that time is running out for Congs.

“We have to keep believing,” said Butt. “We must stay strong and we know cricket is a game where funny things happen.

“If we can get one win who knows what it will bring. It is important we all take responsibility and get the job done without leaving it to the next man.”

St Lawrence have been inconsistent this season but they will still present a tough challenge for Congs as they search desperately for a lift.

Last week’s seven-wicket defeat at East Bierley was a blow for a side that has a testing run in which sees them visit table topping Hanging Heaton away next week.

After that home games against Bradford & Bingley and New Farnley come either side of a trip to Lightcliffe.

Last week’s win halted East Bierley’s slide but they will be sucked back into the relegation mire if they slip up at Cleckheaton.

The champions of 2013 and 2014 have been lacking confidence, but John Wood’s men will be keen to win as they are currently 13 points behind tenth-placed Batley who are at home to Hanging Heaton.

After losing top spot to Hanging Heaton last week, Farsley know they need to return to winning way at home to Bradford & Bingley.

Woodlands, who are third, will be keen to maintain their challenge for the title when they take on Lightcliffe at Albert Terrace.

On a day of intriguing fixtures, Townville play hosts to Priestley Cup finalists New Farnley. Both teams are looking to finish the season strongly as they fight it out for fifth place.