PAUL Hutchison has warned table-topping New Farnley not to underestimate Lightcliffe when they visit Wakefield Road.

Last week they were bowled out for just 32 as they suffered a crushing 325-run defeat at the hands of The All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League champions Hanging Heaton.

But New Farnley’s cricket manager is wary that his team will catch the backlash.

“Lightcliffe will be beefing up for this match. They are a good team with good players and we have to ensure we don’t get caught out,” Hutchison said.

Injuries will influence the line-up that Hutchison fields as New Farnley reach the halfway point in their bid for a first league title.

All-rounder Richard Atkins, who has been side-lined since the first weekend of the season with a bad hand injury, made his return for the second team last week and is expected to play.

However, left-armer Alex Lilley, who has been side-lined with a hamstring injury, faces a late fitness test.

It is possible he might be saved for Sunday’s big Priestley Cup showdown with Hanging Heaton.

Former Yorkshire and England opening bowler Ajmal Shahzad has a knee injury and is not expected to play.

Hutchison is pleased with the progress his side have made and has been delighted with the contributions of batsman Joe Bedford and spinner Dave McCallum.

Bedford made an unbeaten 63 and McCallum took 6-63 in last week’s 73-run win over Bradford & Bingley.

Hutchison said: “Outsiders may not see them as our star players but in our dressing room they are stars.

“Joe is a rugby player, a battler, and a player who never gives up fighting for his side, while Dave has benefitted from getting more overs now that James Middlebrook isn’t around so often.”

The top five are currently covered by 24 points so the stage is set for a tight title battle.

Second-placed Pudsey St Lawrence, winners in 2015 and 2016, will be hoping to put their loss at Methley behind them as they entertain Bradford & Bingley.

Their form has been patchy in recent weeks, but they are facing a side that has struggled to date.

Champions Hanging Heaton will be looking to follow up their crushing win over Lightcliffe when they visit Cleckheaton.

Perhaps the game of the day is at Red Lane were fourth-placed Farsley meet Woodlands who are fifth.

At the other end of the table, Scholes face a difficult match at home to a Methley side whose wins have included triumphs over Pudsey St Lawrence and Hanging Heaton.

Bottom team East Bierley have been showing improvement in recent weeks, but they have a testing assignment at Townville who have responded well to losing skipper Jack Hughes to injury.