Lowerhouses on course for title

Veterans League

A preview of the 10-Man Veterans League Divisions 1 & 2 matches scheduled for Tuesday

Third-placed Kirkheaton Con A will do well to emulate anywhere near last Tuesday's big win when they take on the Division 1 leaders Lowerhouses this week on their own green. The leaders haven't been beaten since the first day of the season (away at Clayton West) and already have a 9-point lead over 2nd-placed Longwood. The Longwood team has to face Waterloo who are only 6 points behind them with a match in hand.

The bottom four teams all have home fixtures this week and the best results from those four matches could result in a big shake-up in fortunes. Netherton Con are still looking for that first elusive win of the season and will host Lindley BC A. Both teams were in Division 2 last year but it is the Lindley club that has settled best at this higher level despite finishing last season 14 points behind the leaders.

Clayton West will need to handle an expected reaction from Lockwood Cons to last week's whitewash result and Rastrick usually so strong at home have lost 2 out of 3 this year with Cowcliffe as Tuesday visitors. Marsh United A completed a double over Golcar Lib A last year and will need to do something similar starting this week to start a move away from the lower reaches of the table.

Big chance this week for Lindley Lib A to break the stranglehold that the three teams relegated from Division 1 last season have held on the top of the Division 2 table all season. They are two points behind Milnsbridge A who they visit this Tuesday and a win will see them muscle in on the promotion battle. The leaders Meltham have a home match against New Mill A whilst second-placed Elland C&BC have to go to Golcar Lib B. The 7-points gap doesn't look likely to diminish any time soon.

The bottom four teams have their own little competition this week. Almondbury BC A are very much part of the relegation mix but after winning 3 of their 4 home matches to date will welcome the arrival of foot-of-the-table Broad Oak A this week. Almondbury Lib go to play Linthwaite Hall who hold a 3-points lead over them as they compete against holding the second relegation place on Tuesday evening.