BANKFOOT’S double-header victory over Methley and Batley last weekend could be “vital” as they look to make it three league wins on the bounce against Ossett today.

The Bradford Premier League side were able to ease relegation worries for the time being, earning a 130-run win at home to Methley on Saturday, and on Sunday they travelled to Batley to collect a vital three-wicket victory on the road.

A change in form has come at the right time for Bankfoot because they now sit two places above the drop zone with 15 games played by each side in the division. Also, they have a 20-point safety cushion between themselves and the team who occupy the final spot in the relegation zone, Cleckheaton.

Reflecting on what could well be a season defining double-header victory, Bankfoot captain James Lee said: “It was massive for us. We set a target of reaching six wins for the season but with the way Cleckheaton have been playing in recent weeks, we realised that we’d probably need it to be seven.

“We do have six wins now so it does mean we need to get one more victory, and it gives us another chance to get that against Ossett this weekend. After that, we’ve got another really tough run of fixtures before we take on Hanging Heaton on the last day of the season. Preferably, I’d love us to get safety wrapped up before then because it will allow us to play without pressure in the last few games. “

Lee added: “The weekend’s double header was also a great reminder of how far we have come as a team. We knew at the start of the season that we were taking a gamble on a few younger players, but that was a risk that we needed to take, financially because we couldn’t afford established players.

“To see those youngsters improve from game one to where we are right now has been great to watch. Some of the guys have really come along and they are now showing their full potential at this level, which is really pleasing to see.

“It can only bode well for the future. We knew these guys had the ability; that’s why we signed them and took the risk on them, but the ability doesn’t always transfer into performances.”

Lee hit an impressive 107 runs in Bankfoot’s victory over Methley on Saturday, helping his team out immensely and it’s something he’s more than happy to do.

He said: “I love to chip in with a big score when I can, but I say to the guys that it’s not all about personal scores, but instead about the team winning and getting over the line. However, having an individual stepping up is crucial for any team and as captain, I do my best to help the team in every way possible.”

Bankfoot take on Ossett today away from home and it will be another tough fixture for Lee and his side to work around, but he has full confidence that he and his inform teammates can deliver.

He said: “It’s going to be another challenging game for us because Ossett have great quality with the bat and they like to build up some big scores. We need to put pressure onto them early and if we do, I believe we can get that all important seventh victory.”