So far so good ­- skipper Gleave

ON THE FRONT FOOT . . . Andrew Gleave has captained Delph to an unbeaten start in the Drakes Huddersfield League Premiership

IT'S been a magnificent start to the Drakes Huddersfield League Premiership season for Delph ­- but skipper Andrew Gleave is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

Now six points clear at the division's summit thanks to eight wins from nine so far in 2016 ­- the other game was abandoned due to rain ­- Delph already look a good bet to seal their first Huddersfield League title.

They are cruising to victories, like the 143-run thumping of Elland last Saturday. But there is no particular secrets to their success so far and it appears a solid all-round effort has been key.

Gleave said: "It has been a good start to the season four us, undoubtedly, but we knew we had a good side ready and waiting before it started.

"It's been great to have Greg Buckley back with us, while (Lancashire prospect) Arron Lilley has been available to play a lot so far.

"There's been no big secret to the start, though.

"Confidence is high obviously, but before each game our team talks remain the same ­- 'let's just keep playing the way we have been doing'.

"It is an old cliche I know, but we are just taking one match at a time right now."

Gleave himself has been in good nick with the bat so far this term, highlighted by last weekend's first ton of the season, a knock of 107 at Elland.

"I had been playing well," added Gleave. "I'd scored a couple of 50s so I knew I was in good nick.

"It's nice to get my first century of the season, but overall the team has been in great form.

"We've beaten the likes of Hoylandswaine and Shepley so far, but nothing is won this early in the season."

Delph hit the silverware trail again this weekend.

After Saturday's potentially tricky home league game against fourth-placed Broad Oak, Delph host newly-promoted Armitage Bridge in the quarter-final of the Sykes Cup ­- a competition they last won in 2012.

They will hope Indian IPL star Shreevats Goswami will continue his early promise after a terrific start to life with Delph.

"Shreevats has really settled in well with us," added Gleave.

"He's played three matches now and scored runs and taken wickets.

"He likes it in Manchester. He's made a few trips down there. He's not been shy of getting out and about.