METHLEY have found a deadly formula so far in this season's Priestley Cup – rack up a big score and bowl the opposition out cheaply.

They have totalled 300-5 against Ossett, 250-8 against Gomersal and 324-4 against Birstall and dismissed Ossett for 80 and Gomersal for 99, before Eric Austin-inspired Birstall replied with 222-8 in what was still a comfortable win.

"If cricket was that easy, there would be no problems," laughed Methley skipper Grant Soames.

Jordan Laban, overseas opening batsman Muhammad Akhlaq, Marcus Walmsley, Soames and teenager Josh Sullivan have been key elements in those three victories for Methley.

But if their progress has been straightforward so far, the task ahead of them in tomorrow's semi-final could be a different kettle of fish – All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League leaders Farsley away.

"Farsley are a very good side with very good players and we are massive underdogs," said Soames.

"But we have some experienced players ourselves and some youngsters and are just going out there to enjoy ourselves and see where it takes us."

While Methley, who are on 240 points, are in a three-cornered fight for promotion with Scholes and Wrenthorpe (245) from Championship Division One, Farsley (229) are in their own fight with two others – Hanging Heaton (223) and Woodlands (220) – for the top-flight crown.

Soames, who started his cricket at Thornton before moving to Windhill, East Bierley and Yeadon prior to Methley, where he is in his second season as captain, relies on his batting and his nous these days to have an affect on his team.

"I haven't bowled since I had a knee reconstruction," said the 35-year-old, who contents himself with directing operations from first slip these days.

"You can see if the bowlers are moving it from there," he explained.

If Methley are outsiders at Red Lane, the same is true of Undercliffe in the other semi-final against New Farnley at Lawns Lane.

Again almost a whole division separates the two sides, with the hosts seventh in the Premier Division and Undercliffe one place below Methley at fourth in Championship One.

Undercliffe have won the Priestley Cup 13 times compared to Farsley's three (1963, 1983, 1995) but it will be a major surprise if the Intake Road club, who are not quite consistent enough to be in with a shout of promotion, reach the final to be held on their own ground on Sunday, August 27 (noon).