Winter League
Review of the Division 1 fixtures played at Milnsbridge on Wednesday 25 January
Wednesday's top-of-the-table clash went the way of reigning Champions Lower Hopton 6-2 to open up a 5-point lead over Thorpe Green 'C'.
With just two more matches to be played that is a huge advantage and both teams have to play bottom-of-the-table Lindley BC who could determine the destination of the title and trophy for the 2022-23 season. Yet we all know that things don't always go as expected and there may be more twists to this story still to be played out.
The chasing pack remain in their wake although more spaced out than they were a week ago when 2 points separated 5 teams looking to avoid occupying the second relegation place. That 5-team episode now features a 4-point gap from which the second candidate for the drop will undoubtedly emerge. So tight is the situation at present that, mathematically, 2nd placed Thorpe Green 'A' could still be relegated!
Kirkheaton Con failed to take advantage when playing already-relegated Lindley BC 'A' and were fortunate to escape with a share of the points after a 50-49 aggregate scoreline saved the day for them. Clayton West started the day third from top but finished it third from bottom going down 2-6 to Meltham who now need a win in their match versus Lindley Lib next Wednesday to guarantee their survival.
New Millers put their destination in their own hands after beating Lindley Lib 6-2 who currently occupy the second relegation place but that could all change again next week.
REMAINING DIVISION 1 FIXTURES
| 1st February | 8th February |
Lower Hopton (60 pts) | Kirkheaton Con | Lindley BC A |
Thorpe Green A (55 pts) | Lindley BC A | Clayton West |
Meltham (50 pts) | Lindley Lib A | New Millers |
New Millers (50 pts) | Clayton West | Meltham |
Kirkheaton Cons (48 pts) | Lower Hopton | Lindley Lib A |
Clayton West (48 pts) | New Millers | Thorpe Green A |
Lindley Lib A (46 pts) | Meltham | Kirkheaton Con |
Lindley BC A (27 pts) | Thorpe Green A | Lower Hopton |
There is also the matter of the Top Bowler title to be resolved with 2 matches remaining to decide the 2023 destination of the Founders Trophy. Graham Hirst leads the way just as he did last season and another win would surely ensure that the trophy remained on his mantlepiece for another 12 months. The trophy goes to the bowler with the 'Most Games Won' of Singles and Pairs results combined. In the event of a draw on games won then the 'Average' figure comes into play. The current standing of the top ten contenders is shown below.
Comments