This is a big weekend for East Bierley, who are third in the JCT600 Bradford League First Division table, and for their experienced opening batsman Gavin Hamilton.

On Saturday, the England and Scotland international is part of a South View Road side that visit second-placed Pudsey St Lawrence as both continue their pursuit of leaders Woodlands.

The latter head the table by 28 points from Saints, who in turn are six points better off than Bierley.

And on Sunday, Yorkshire are sending a strong side to East Bierley, marking former Yorkshire player Hamilton’s long Bradford League service with a Twenty20 contest that starts at 3pm.

Bierley’s cricket chairman Ray Davis said: “Gavin first played for us in 1997 before going to Pudsey Congs and coming back.

“But he has been a big part of our side for a decade. I can remember him hitting match-winning centuries for us against Elland in the Heavy Woollen Cup and in last season’s Priestley Cup semi-final against Cleckheaton.

“When Gavin first came to us, he batted three, four or five but lately he has been opening.

"He likes to get on with it, although maybe that has been one of our downfalls as a lot of our early-order batsmen do!

“Gavin has not only been useful as a batsman, but also as a captain, although he hasn’t been able to play every game for us because of his commitments to Durham and Scotland.

“Gavin was used to practising every day but has made that adjustment to league cricket, and not everyone can do that.

“He has also helped us to sign players thanks to his extensive contacts and is still helping out our current captain Lee Goddard wtih advice.

“Gavin is a good cricketer and has been a fine batsman, fielder and bowler.

“Although he hasn’t bowled much for us, I can remember him taking five wickets in an innings – and, at 37, he is showing no signs of slowing down.”

While Bierley and Saints fight it out at Tofts Road, Woodlands visit fourth-placed Bradford & Bingley making it a day when the top four meet.

Second-from-bottom Pudsey Congs are at fifth-placed Cleckheaton, while basement club Undercliffe host sixth-placed Lightcliffe.

Saltaire and Farsley are just above the drop zone and have winnable home matches against Hanging Heaton and Manningham Mills respectively.

It’s a double weekend in the Second Division, with leaders Yeadon hosting third-placed Morley on Saturday.