THERE are key games at both ends of the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League’s Premier Division on Saturday.

Leaders Farsley are at home to defending champions Pudsey St Lawrence, while third-placed Woodlands host second-placed Hanging Heaton as the title battle hots up.

At the other end of the table, bottom team Pudsey Congs are at home to third-bottom Cleckheaton and second-bottom Batley host East Bierley.

There are currently just nine points covering the top three as the season enters the last seven games, while 20 points separate ninth-placed East Bierley and Pudsey Congs at the basement.

Farsley, chasing their first title since 1962, are facing a big weekend as they also have a home semi-final against Methley in the Priestley Cup on Sunday.

Then next Saturday they face a tough test of their championship credentials at Hanging Heaton.

Farsley appear to have the toughest run-in of the title contenders. They also have to go to Woodlands in their penultimate game.

But Farsley are a team who have risen to every challenge presented to them this season and the desire to end the 55-year wait for a championship will be spurring them on.

Hanging Heaton, who reached the last eight of the Royal London ECB National Club Championship with a two-wicket win over Hyde on Sunday, sit six points behind Farsley.

After their trip to Woodlands and home clash with Farsley, they have fixtures against the four bottom teams before rounding off their season with a testing trip to Tofts Road to play defending champions Pudsey St Lawrence – a team that has already beaten them at Bennett Lane.

Hanging Heaton’s last title win was in 1999 and they are desperately keen to lift the crown, having gone so close last season.

Woodlands, currently nine points behind Farsley, are arguably the dark horses in the championship battle. Without being at their best, they have stayed in contention.

Their middle-order batting has been inconsistent to date but they could yet lift the trophy, particularly with home games against both their main rivals.

REMAINING GAMES

Farsley

Pudsey St Lawrence H
Hanging Heaton A
Bradford & Bingley H
Lightcliffe A
New Farnley H
Woodlands A
Townville A

Hanging Heaton

Woodlands A
Farsley H
Batley A
Pudsey Congs A
Cleckheaton A
East Bierley H
Pudsey St Lawrence A

Woodlands
Hanging Heaton H
Bradford & Bingley A
Lightcliffe H
New Farnley A
Townville A
Farsley H
Batley A