East Bierley must be wondering when their luck is going to change.

After an injury-ravaged 2003 in which they finished equal ninth, the former Bradford League one-day kings could now be without skipper Richard Gould - one of their mainstays of a disappointing league centenary season - for a while.

The opening bat, who topped the First Division runs chart with 1,133, is having problems with his hip.

Bierley's league representative Ray Davis said: "At first he thought it was his hamstring, but it seems to be his hip bone.

"He has played for us this season, but whenever he has it seems to have set him back.

"Maybe the only cure will be rest, but hopefully we will know more next week when he has visited a specialist."

Gould's partnerships with Jonathan Proud (999 runs) were the main reason Bierley finished as high last season, but at least they seem to have unearthed a replacement for Gould.

Craig Johnstone helped Proud add 96 last Saturday in their 49-run victory at Farsley.

Davis added: "Craig is only 16 and has come out of the second team, having been at Bierley since he was seven or eight.

"The lads in the second team call him their overseas player because he was born in South Africa.

"But he is a good prospect and it will make team selection interesting when all our players are available."

Overseas player Kashif Raza, wicketkeeper Lee Goddard and new signing Grant Soames have also had their moments with the bat.

Davis has also been delighted with the way James Postill - who joined with Soames from relegated Yeadon - has performed with the ball. Postill took five for 27 as Farsley were bowled out for 191 last weekend.

Bierley are at home to Woodlands tomorrow - a contest Davis calls a good benchmark.

Idle face leaders Cleckheaton at Cavendish Road, while Bankfoot aim to make it two wins in a row at home to Pudsey St Lawrence.