Winter League
Preview of a Match of the Day in each of the 8 Winter League Divisions this week along with Christmas festivities planned by a number of the host clubs.
Monday 16 December
Division 4 at Primrose Hill Lib
Match of the Day: Slaithwaite v Rastrick
Easy choice this week for the top match in Division 4 as the top two teams in the table face up to each other when leaders Rastrick take on previous leaders Slaithwaite. Just 8 points between them so an 8-0 win for the Slaithwaite boys would see them go top on a better Aggregate For total.
Rastrick come into the match with the better form behind them having won their last five fixtures whilst Slaithwaite have lost their last two matches. With the teams in 3rd and 4th places also facing each other and both on the same 34 points total it could be a pivotal week in the 2024-25 title and promotion chase.
Tuesday 17 December
Division 2 at Cowcliffe Lib
Match of the Day: Hanging Heaton A v Lindley Lib B
No really stand-out fixtures this week as the top four teams play the bottom four teams so I am going for the top v bottom clash between Hanging Heaton and Lindley Lib B. The top dogs remain unbeaten whilst the relegation threatened Lindley side are still looking for their first win of the season, even a draw would be a welcome sign after losing last week's bottom two clash. It is difficult to envisage anything other than a big win for the top dogs but you never can tell in this League.
Cowcliffe are celebrating their first Christmas as a host club by providing Christmas lunch for all bowlers. At present 56 bowlers and supporters have got their tickets to join in the festive season activities in the clubhouse after bowling concludes this week. There will be a quiz, raffle and a full Christmas menu of Turkey stuffing sandwiches, Pork with apple sauce sandwiches, Pigs in Blankets, Roast Potatoes and gravy, Waffle with ice cream and chocolate sauce and Mince Pies.
Division 8 at Lockwood Con
Match of the Day: Golcar C&BC v Holmfirth
Last week's set of fixtures left the top three licking their wounds as they all lost to lower opposition.and will be looking for redemption this Tuesday. The leaders are Golcar C&BC and last week's loss was a first defeat of the season so they will not welcome having to face the Division's form team from Holmfirth who have won their last three matches as they come to terms with winter bowling.
Those wins have pushed them into third place and in contention for promotion. Whereas the Golcar side have been top all season and that will not change this Tuesday whatever the outcome of their match. A 15 points lead guarantees that but sometimes doubt can enter the mind of players after a setback which can play funny tricks on what should be a straightforward return to winning ways. We shall see.
Wednesday 18 December Division 1 at Milnsbridge BC
Match of the Day: New Mill A v Thorpe Green A When these two teams met on the opening day of the season it ended as a 4-4 draw which typified the slow start to the new season that reigning Champions, Thorpe Green A, experienced. They have since caught up with that and are now on a run of five straight wins to go two points clear at the top of the table.
Three weeks ago the New Mill team was holding down the number one spot but defeats in their last two fixtures to Lower Hopton and Lindley BC A has seen them drop down to third position and are under pressure from Cowcliffe to hold on to that spot. A win for the New Mill side would be welcomed by the neutral observor to keep three teams heavily involved in the top of the table tussle is always more welcome than a procession to the honours list.
Division 3 at Springwood BC
Match of the Day: Lowerhouses B v New Mill B
Taking a gamble here but I forecast that if Lowerhouses B win their Wednesday fixture against third-placed New Mill B then I believe they will win promotion to Division 2 for next season. A win would give them at least an 11 points lead over their rivals with three matches left to play. Having already beaten them 8-0 earlier in the season they know that they are capable of taking this match.
There is also the Brockholes A factor to take into account but it seems to me that with only one win in their last four matches that they may have already peaked and have little threat left to offer. Add in the fact that Lowerhouses do not have to face Denby Dale again whereas their two main rivals both have to play the leaders one more time also adds to my confidence that Lowerhouses B are destined for promotion if they win this Match of the Day.
Plans are afoot to bring the Christmas spirit to bowling at Springwood on Wednesday and at least one Father Christmas is expected to appear on the green. All bowlers are asked to enter into the Christmas spirit by donning their Christmas jumpers, add some tinsel or a sprig of mistletoe and you never know what might happen.
Division 5 at Lindley Lib
Match of the Day: Almondbury BC A v Springwood B If either of these two teams believe that they can escape relegation then they need to show their colours this Wednesday when they go head-to-head. When meeting earlier in the season these two teams shared the points 4-4. That will not be good enough for either of them to launch their own Great Escape. Neither has won a match all season and are at least 15 points from safety. This really is the last chance saloon for both teams and sometimes desparation can be a great incentive.
Thursday 19 December
Division 6 at Netherton Con
Match of the Day: Mirfield A v Outlane
The Mirfield A team is on a great run of results and remain unbeaten in their last eight fixtures after an opening day of the season defeat to Brockholes B, a loss they have since avenged. They are on a great run and now find themselves in second place in the table and if they can keep that run going are heading for a final day climax. Their final day of the season fixture against the leaders of Almondbury BC B could be a title decider with just 6 points between the top two teams at present and everything to play for.
The Netherton club continues its great habit of putting on a Christmas Special after matches on the last bowling day before Christmas and this year is no exception. As usual there will be the much coveted Pie 'n' Peas in the clubhouse and some surprise treats as well. They were the first of the host greens to introduce Christmas festivities to the bowling season and it is an event not to be missed.
Division 7 at Huddersfield RUFC
Match of the Day: Cowcliffe B v Broad Oak A
Cowcliffe continue to lead the way with a full 8-match winning record to date and will not expect that to change this week when they play lowly Broad Oak A. But this is an important match for the Broad Oak team as they are struggling against relegation which, if it happens, could signal the end of the team's involvement in the Winter League. Dropping into Division 8 which plays its matches on a Tuesday is a real threat to the availability of team members. With already an 18-points gap to safety the Broad Oak side cannot continue to lose matches and not chip away at the gap difference so this is a really important fixture for them.
The Rugby Club have picked up on the time to celebrate theme that some other host clubs are offering with a second Christmas Party in the main building where Christmas lunches will once again be provided and the bar will be open and a quiz will once again feature after the post-match festivities.
Don't forget that it is the Division 1 teams' turn to compete in their Pairs KO Qualifying Round this Friday at Thorpe Green. An 11.00am start and the final two bowlers will progress through to the Round of the Last 16 on 14 February.
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