Baildon skipper Ian Philliskirk hopes last week’s victory at Farsley was the turning point in their title defence.

The reigning JCT600 Bradford League Division One champions have had an indifferent first half of the campaign and currently sit in eighth place.

But the manner of their six-wicket win over the Red Lane outfit encouraged the Baildon chief, whose side host basement boys Bankfoot tomorrow.

The champions’ Achilles heel has been their batting but they comfortably reached Farsley’s total of 225 with a patient performance.

Philliskirk said: “We batted well on a very good wicket.

“We didn’t bat particularly well last year and we’ve been inconsistent as a batting team for the last two or three years.

“On a turning, dry wicket at Baildon it can be difficult to chase scores.

“But we have to learn to occupy the crease a bit more.

“It’s easier said than done as – me as much as anyone – we are the type of players who like to get on with it.

“Hopefully, our batting last week will be the turning point.”

Philliskirk made an unbeaten 50 but it was 96 from Baildon’s New Zealander Shane Gadson that stood out.

The 18-year-old wicket-keeper, who has played at first-class level back home, has not fully fired with the bat yet but his captain said: “Shane’s knock last week was as good an innings as I’ve seen. His timing was exceptional.”

Though the Jenny Laners have yet to hit the heights of last season, Philliskirk maintains his side are not too far away.

He said: “There are very lines between losing and winning.

“We bowled better last year but he haven’t played that much worse this season.

“The difference has been we haven’t taken our chances this year and the luck has not been with as much.”

He also dismissed claims that his side were burdened with extra pressure of being reigning champions.

He said: “For me and the likes of Craig Hitchenor and ‘Mushy’ (Mushtaq Ahmed), once you’ve won the title, it actually takes the pressure off you as no one can take that away from you.

“Of course, it’s nice to win cups and leagues. But we don’t have a big wage bill at Baildon and the emphasis is on enjoying cricket.”

Elsewhere, leaders Undercliffe should fancy their chances but second-bottom Yeadon has never been an easy place to visit.

Clash of the day is at the Britannia Ground where second-placed Pudsey Congs take on fourth-placed Bradford & Bingley.

Third-placed Pudsey St Lawrence face a tricky test at Cleckheaton, while Woodlands look to get their campaign back on track at home to Gomersal.

East Bierley visit Farsley in the other top-flight clash.

Hanging Heaton – leaders by 32 points in Division Two – travel to Brighouse, while second-placed Lightcliffe will hope to keep on their tails when they visit bottom side Great Horton.