METHLEY, who were promoted to the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League top flight last season, have begun life among the big boys in style.

The side sit joint-first in the Premier League table after two wins and are also in the second round of the Priestley Cup.

Last Saturday’s league win against Lightcliffe was followed up with Priestley Cup success over Bankfoot.

But for tomorrow’s Premier Division match with Cleckheaton, Methley will be without several key figures who have starred in their successful opening to the campaign.

All-rounder Matthew Waite, who hit an unbeaten 135 from 97 balls in Sunday’s victory against Bankfoot, retired with an ankle injury after his knock.

The 22-year-old began in Methley’s junior ranks and made his first-team debut against Lightcliffe having re-joined from York this season.

“He’ll be a huge miss,” admitted Methley captain Grant Soames. “He’s a three-dimensional cricketer and is born and bred in Methley, so he’s really enjoying being back at the club.”

Also unavailable is 15-year-old left-arm spinner Harry Sullivan, whose six wickets in the victory over Lightcliffe have earned him a Yorkshire Academy call-up.

“We wanted to give Harry his opportunity this year because he worked really hard during the winter,” said Soames. “At his current level, he looks like a real star for the future.”

Soames himself is also unavailable after hitting 97 against Lightcliffe and 54 versus Bankfoot. He joins Adam Patel, who has one week left to serve of a suspension, in being out of contention for tomorrow.

Soames, however, believes that his side have taken confidence from their recent matches and can run out winners against Cleckheaton.

“We’ve had some solid results recently,” he said. “After coming up from the Championship, we’re looking to be competitive.

“We’re enjoying our cricket at the moment and everyone’s put their hand up and made sure they’ve contributed.

“With a few players missing, we’ll do what we planned in the winter and that’s to work as hard as we can.

“Cleckheaton have a good side and we’ll apply our skills to hopefully claim another win.”