League News
I've split the Veterans 10-Man League into two sections with Divisions 3 to 5 covered today and the top two divisions following on close behind. As well as (hopefully) an interesting posting it will also serve as an aid to all those of you still to submit your Fantasy League entries. A free-to-enter competition for bowlers of all ages and genders with £200 worth of Well Bowled vouchers to the winners.
The tables below show the final positions in the league tables for last season along with the points accrued. Then it adds the teams joining that division either through promotion or relegation or other means. You are then treated to a meaningful insight into the chances of all the major contenders for honours in each division. Make of that what you will.
 JOINING THIS DIVISION IN 2022 Relegated from Division 2: Kirkheaton C&BC A & Paddock I&C Promoted from Division 4: Huddersfield Rec. Club & Denby Dale New team: Linthwaite Hall Reorganisation Casualty: Outlane are dropping down out of this division as part of a reorganisation to balance out team numbers in each division. | DIVISION 3 Paddock I&C won the Division 3 title in 2019 after a lengthy battle with Bradley & Colne who also got promoted. Paddock I&C have come straight back down and will expect to be a force again at this level and maybe even repeat their 2019 title-winning achievement. Bradley & Colne avoided the same fate, as Kirkheaton C&BC A had a season to forget to drop through the relegation trapdoor. Newcomers Linthwaite Hall have been put in this Division for their return to the 10-Man League and it remains to be seen if that elevation is justified or not. Difficult to forecast although competition in this division is likely to be muted whilst the two promoted teams will bring some new faces to the greens. Both Huddersfield Recreation and Denby Dale enjoyed a good season as they enjoyed a ding-dong battle for the Division 4 title last year and were well ahead of the chasing pack so they may be above average for teams moving up. Golcar Lib B are unlikely to face teams of the calibre of last year's top two this time around and could have a major say in the destiny of the honours this season. It will please Marsh United B enormously if I tip them for relegation this season as past records show that every time I do they surpass all expectations, especially mine. Sufficient to say that I can't see them being involved in the promotion fight this coming season. |
 JOINING THIS DIVISION IN 2022 Relegated from Division 3: Meltham B & Brockholes B Promoted from Division 5: Hudd. RUBC & New Mill B Reorganisation Casualty: Outlane are dropping down from Division 3 as part of a reorganisation to balance out team numbers in each division. | Division 4 The two teams relegated from Division 3 are the B teams from Meltham and Brockholes. Meltham appear to be in free-fall with a second successive relegation but surely they have found their level now. Two years ago the Brockholes B side was fighting for promotion from Division 3 but it all went pear-shaped last year as they finished bottom of the pile and were well adrift of safety. The B teams from Elland and Lindley BC will be hoping to build on their good finishes last season to go one better this time around and both appear capable of mounting serious promotion challenges. An influx of new bowlers for Milnsbridge may bring benefits to the B side and enable them to build on last season's top half finish. The two promoted teams are the Rugby Club and New Mill B and they have nothing to fear about, at least, consolidating their status at this level if reproducing last year's form. The 5 teams directly above last season's relegated pair were separated by just 4 points so all can expect to be in the mix for this season's relegation battle if they don't improve on last season's results. Outlane didn't finish in the relegation places last year but drop a level anyhow as part of a reorganisation to balance team numbers. They can look forward to a better year than the one they would have had if they had retained their Division 3 status and could well be among the leading pack. |
 JOINING THIS DIVISION IN 2022 Relegated from Division 4: Kirkheaton Con B & Netherton Con B | Division 5 Marsh Lib finished in 3rd spot last season not far behind the promoted pair and will be strong contenders to go one better this time around. Kirkheaton Con B won this title in 2019 but come straight back down after a season of struggling to field a full team. If that is behind them then they will expect to be up there with the leaders. They had 2 of the top 3 Singles bowlers in the Division 4 Averages last season so the potential is certainly there. Netherton Con B also had similar team raising difficulties last season and they wont have been helped by the exit of some A team bowlers who were also relegated in a season to forget for the Netherton club. Dalton could be the surprise package this season as they have some new bowlers who have played well in the Winter League and are well ready to be unleashed on 10-man opponents. |
Coming up tomorrow is the final piece to this preview with the credentials of the Division 1 & 2 teams for the coming season coming under the spotlight.
With this latest episode of the Veterans League preview you have lots more inside information to aid the selection of your 8 teams to make up your Fantasy League entry and put yourself in the running for the £200 worth of Well Bowled vouchers. Entry Form
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