DRIGHLINGTON aim to bounce back from defeat by title rivals Mount when they face another crunch game against third-placed Hepworth and Idle in Division B of the Dales Council on Saturday.

Drighlington slipped to a 38-run defeat at Mount, despite half-centuries from opener Andrew Shackleton and leading run scorer Tyson Illingworth, although they had the consolation of not being bowled out and retaining a four-point lead.

Hepworth and Idle are just two points further behind Drighlington but they have a game in hand so the Station Road outfit will be keen to register an important win in their quest for the title.

Morley’s mixed fortunes in Bradford League Division Two continue ahead of Saturday’s home game with Spen Victoria (1.30pm).

Morley will be keen to earn winning points from their rivals as they lie third-bottom in the table, 17 points above Brighouse.

Morley were unfortunate to slip to an eight-run defeat at promotion -chasing Keighley last Saturday, despite useful contributions from Dan Lloyd (51), Phil Carter (40), Robert Smith (40) and Adam Larkin (37), while both Morley sides were knocked out of the Priestley Cup and Shield on Sunday.

East Ardsley face a crucial relegation battle against second-bottom Scholes in the Central Yorkshire League Premier Division (1pm).

Ardsley were shot out for just 51 by title-chasing Townville last week, despite a brave knock of 21 by Andy Langley, who returned despite suffering an early blow to his left arm.

Scholes picked up a four-point win and they are now five ahead of Ardsley in second-bottom.

Defeat for Ardsley would leave them with a daunting task of getting out of the relegation zone during the second half of the season.

Ardsley A are flying high, second in Division Two, ahead of Saturday’s home game with Townville A. They trail leaders Ossett A by just six points but even if they do finish in the promotion places, they will not be allowed to make the step up to the first division if their firsts are relegated.

Adwalton moved to within five points of Ardsley A after beating them last Saturday and will look to maintain their promotion challenge at Westwood Park.

There is a mid-table derby clash in the Premier Division when Birstall make the trip to Batley.

Birstall lie fifth, 12 points adrift of leaders Methley and must go on a winning run if they are to have any hope of retaining their title.

Birstall bowed out of the Jack Hampshire Cup last Sunday, suffering a five-wicket defeat to Townville. It would appear their best chance of winning silverware this time is in the Black Sheep Champions Trophy, as they bid to become the first Central Yorkshire side to win the competition.

They have been drawn at Woodhouse Grange in the quarter-finals, with the date yet to be finalised.

In Division One Hunslet Nelson host Woodkirk at Gypsy Lane.