CHRIS Taylor would like to see more Yorkshire players playing in The All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League.

The former Yorkshire and Derbyshire batsman saw at first hand the value of having a county man to call on when Alex Lees hit his league-record 227 not out for Lightcliffe against Bradford & Bingley last Saturday.

Taylor, Lightcliffe’s cricket chairman, said: “It was good to see a Yorkshire player playing in the Bradford Premier League. When they aren’t playing first class matches I believe they should go back to play for their clubs.

“I remember when I played in Sydney that Steve and Mark Waugh used to go back to their clubs when they didn’t have first class or international matches. There isn’t a better place than the Bradford Premier League for the players to be tested.

“I hope we see more county players playing in the future.”

Looking back to last week Taylor admitted: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard that Alex was available.

“He wanted to get in some more match practice and there is no better place that the Bradford Premier League for that.

“I am amazed that such a talented player isn’t in the Yorkshire side for every game. He showed his class on Saturday with a stunning innings.”

Lightcliffe, without Lees, face newly-promoted Townville who have won their last three games.

One team benefitting from the presence of young Yorkshire players are leaders Farsley. They have left-armer James Wainman and spinner James Logan in their ranks.

Tomorrow they have their toughest test to date when they visit defending champions Pudsey St Lawrence who will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season at Woodlands.

Farsley have gone quietly and efficiently about their business and have built on their strong finish to last season.

Their match at Tofts Road is one of two mouth-watering clashes. The second sees the unbeaten pair of Hanging Heaton and Woodlands go head-to-head at Bennett Lane.

It’s a match that pits the Premier Division’s two leading runscorers against each other, Woodlands skipper Tim Jackson – score of centuries in his last two league games – is up against Hanging Heaton’s Nick Connolly who has hit a century and two fifties to date.

There are also some interesting games at the other end of the table. Cleckheaton will be looking to build on their first win at home to Pudsey Congs.

Rock-bottom Bradford Bingley will be looking for their first win when they tackle a New Farnley side without a league victory since the opening day, while Batley look to break their duck at East Bierley.