5:43pm Thursday 2nd September 2010
By Alan Birkinshaw
Babar Butt knows all about winning league championships – after all he was part of the Pudsey Congs side that won five on the trot between 2000 and 2004.
Now he is eyeing up the possibility of a surprise sixth title in the twilight of his distinguished JCT600 Bradford League career.
Congs are the dark horses in an enthralling five-team battle for the 2010 crown.
They are currently third in the table, level on points with neighbours Pudsey St Lawrence, and three behind leaders East Bierley, who have no game on Saturday.
Congs visit relegated Saltaire before entertaining bogey side Baildon on Sun-day. They finish at home to Bankfoot next week.
Unlike their period of dominance, Congs have never headed the table this year, but their shadow is looming large over the best title race anyone can remember.
Butt admits to being surprised with how the championship battle has unfolded, and has revealed he has special motivation for wanting to lift the trophy again.
He said: “It would be special for the club and it would be a great send off to Matthew Doidge and Mark Bray, who have said this will be their last season of Brad-ford League cricket.
“There would be no better way to go out. I owe so much to Matthew for the faith he had in me and the encouragement and leadership he provided when we won the five titles.
“I really would love to win it for Matthew, and I think it would be a great way for me to go out too.
“I haven’t made any decisions yet, but I can’t think of a better way to bow out.”
Butt also acknowledged the contributions of newcomers Eugene Burzler, Gareth Phillips and Alex Hewitt.
“They have all made their mark in a great team effort. The dressing room is relax-ed and everybody is enjoying their cricket.
“That is crucial to any successful team. The next two weeks are going to be extremely exciting.”
Fifth-placed Woodlands face a huge weekend. They are just 14 points behind East Bierley and have home fixtures against Priestley Cup winners Bradford & Bingley and St Lawrence.
Saints face Yeadon, a side battling to avoid the drop, at Tofts Road on Saturday.
East Bierley’s only game is at Gomersal on Sunday, while Bradford & Bingley’s second match of the weekend sees them host Bankfoot.
Last week’s defeat at Yeadon has put a big dent in their hopes of a league and cup double.
The battle for the second promotion spot in Division Two is also extremely close fought.
Going into Saturday's final round of matches, just three points cover Manningham Mills, Lightcliffe and Bowling Old Lane.
Fourth-placed Old Lane appear to have the toughest task. They are at champions Hanging Heaton.
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