HANGING Heaton have been consistency itself in the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League.

The Batley club finished third in 2014, fourth in 2015 and runners-up last season, a mere four points behind Pudsey St Lawrence.

However, they won the title four times in 13 years from 1987, albeit not since 1999.

“We had a blip when we went down in the 2000s, but a title is a bit overdue”, said Hanging Heaton’s cricket chairman John Carruthers ahead of the second-placed club’s home match against leaders Farsley on Saturday.

“That is a massive game, but it wouldn’t surprise me if last weekend’s Priestley Cup semi-final defeat against Methley makes them even more determined as they only have one thing to go for.”

Farsley have 246 points and Hanging Heaton 239, but Carruthers is quick to remind everyone about Woodlands, who Hanging Heaton defeated last weekend, who are third on 194 with six matches remaining.

“Woodlands were never going to be able to replace Saffy (Sarfraz Ahmed) but they are still a quality side and they have Farsley to play at home on September 2, so they will have an influence on things.

“If we beat Farsley tomorrow and Woodlands beat Farsley later in the season then it can become a three-horse race.”

So how have Hanging Heaton evolved in recent years?

Carruthers said: “Muhammad Rameez has made a big difference over the last two seasons. He is so reliable and you know he is only going to go for three or four runs an over, David Stiff is bowling really, really well, and Callum Geldart has been a big help with the ball.”

Woodlands are at inconsistent Bradford & Bingley on Saturday, while, as usual, there is also a key clash in the basement, with third-from-bottom East Bierley (126 points) hosting bottom-of-the-table Pudsey Congs (115) in a game which pits Bierley skipper Adam Patel against his old club.

Carruthers added: “It is strange to see East Bierley, Pudsey Congs and Cleckheaton (121) down there, but it looks like one of them will go down and possibly two, which would be sad.”

Cleckheaton are at home to Townville, while fourth-from-bottom Batley (134) are at Pudsey St Lawrence.

Best match in Championship Division One looks to be Wrenthorpe, who are equal second, against Undercliffe, who are fourth.

Wrenthorpe were castled by Morley’s seam attack last week, while Priestley Cup semi-finalists Undercliffe defeated Bowling Old Lane.

In Championship Division Two, there is another second v fourth clash in Hunslet Nelson v Liversedge.

Like Farsley, Nelson need to ensure there is no hangover following a cup semi-final defeat – to Hartshead Moor in the Jack Hampshire Trophy.