THE battle for the Premier Division title could hardly be closer with 25 points covering the top six teams.

Last Saturday’s results showed that nothing can be taken for granted as leaders New Farnley suffered a 56-run defeat against Cleckheaton and champions Hanging Heaton went down by 67 runs at Woodlands.

The teams to benefit most were Pudsey St Lawrence who scraped a three-wicket win over Lightcliffe to move within two points of New Farnley, and Farsley who crushed East Bierley by eight wickets.

Going into tomorrow’s fixtures New Farley have 193 points, Pudsey St Lawrence 191, Farsley 185, Hanging Heaton 175, Methley 170 and Woodlands 168.

New Farnley will look to return to winning ways at home to Woodlands, a side who are still in the title picture despite their inconsistent form.

And New Farnley will be hoping that Cleckheaton will produce another stunning performance when they visit Pudsey St Lawrence.

Cleckheaton have the Premier Division’s top run scorer in overseas player Tayyab Tahir. He has hit three centuries and scored 605 runs and created a big impression.

Skipper Mally Nicholson knows his new-look side are gradually binding into a useful outfit. They pressed Hanging Heaton hard before the win over New Farnley and it has been their bowling that has pleased him most.

Nicholson said: “I’m really impressed with all the new lads and especially our two young opening bowlers Johnny Whiteoak and Josh Thurwell) who are now starting to bowl as a partnership and take early wickets.

"Nick Walker has been a very good first change backing the lads up and we also have Andrew Deegan who has taken wickets so far this season.”

The bowlers could well have a key role to play on the new St Lawrence wicket where they will be looking to pose problems for the home side’s formidable batting line-up.

Hanging Heaton look to have a good chance to get their title defence back on track at home to a East Bierley side rooted to the bottom.

Farsley remain the dark horses in the title race and they also have an interesting test as they entertain a Townville side who are running into good form.

Farsley’s top three of James Wainman, James Logan and Dan Hodgson have performed consistently well while overseas player Pat Kruger is another shrewd signing, but Townville have their own stars in opening bat Jonathan Booth and all-rounder Connor Harvey.

If Farsley are the dark horses then Methley are the surprise package. They are fifth and proving a good addition to the Premier Division under Grant Soames’ sound leadership. They will be hoping to maintain their challenge at home to Lightcliffe.

Scholes can climb out of the relegation positions at the expense of Bradford & Bingley who they entertain in a key encounter.