Veterans League
Review of the latest results from the 10-Man League Divisions 3, 4 & 5
The winners of Divisions 3, 4 and 5 are now all known after the latest round of fixtures but there is still plenty to be decided as the three divisions all enter their final week of the season.
The Division 5 title being the latest to be claimed as Milnsbridge 'B' took the honour after a 7-2 away win at Dalton saw them open up a 15-points lead with one more round of fixtures to go. The 2nd promotion place is still up for grabs with three teams still in contention but likely to be one of either Brockholes 'B' or Broad Oak 'B' with the Badgers holding a one-point lead at present. That advantage coupled with the fact that Broad Oak 'B' have to go to the home of the Division Champions for their final match makes Brockholes 'B' the favourites.
David Brown Sports sit 6-points off the pace but if the two teams above them fail to live with the pressure then they could take advantage and steal the second spot as they have a manageable last day away fixture at bottom-of-the-table Holmfirth 'A'.
Golcar Lib celebrated the confirmation of their Division 3 title success by whitewashing Lockwood Con 'B' 7-0 to push their opponents deep into the relegation drop zone. With the likelihood of four teams being relegated this season there are at least 6 teams in the mix for those positions with Meltham 'B' already confirmed as relegated. Skel Windmill were the only winners from those bottom six as they grasped a lifeline after beating Kirkheaton C&BC 'A' 8-1 on their own green to dramatically improve their survival chances and seriously damage their opponents hopes of avoiding the dreaded drop.
The race for the second promotion place continues to rest between Almondbury Lib and Denby Dale with the Almondbury outfit having a 3-points cushion with one match left to play. Both have final day home fixtures with Denby Dale having a marginal easier-looking task when hosting Kirkheaton C&BC 'A' whilst Almondbury Lib have to take on 4th placed Brockholes 'A' who have no incentive as they are almost certain to stay 4th regardless of any combination of results.
Outlane and Huddersfield Recreation Club warmed up for their Thursday Sub-Team KO Final by both losing home matches 3-6 and whilst that 3 points might have been of benefit for Outlane it did little to improve the Recreation club's chances of avoiding the drop.
Ravensknowle Park completed their Division 4 season with a good 7-2 home win over promotion-chasing Marsh Lib but even that may not be enough to save their Division 4 life for next season. They now have to sit back and watch their two nearest rivals jockey for position on the final day of the 2023 campaign. Huddersfield RUFC put themselves in a great position by beating Thongsbridge 'B' 9-0 and only need a point from their last match at Lindley BC 'B' to avoid a bottom-three position come next Tuesday evening. It is a more difficult task awaiting Almondbury BC 'A' who have to go to the Champions Lindley Lib 'B' needing a win to secure their Division 4 status for next season.
'A' team calls left Kirkheaton Con 'B' with only six bowlers to suffer a 2-7 home defeat to Lindley BC 'B' and even a 9-0 away win in their final fixture next week is unlikely to save them. The same can be said of Primrose Hill Lib despite a spirited fight to take 4 points off Marsh United 'B' and facing a trip to promotion-chasing Marsh Lib next week from which they will do well to escape undamaged and relegation is inevitable.
Marsh Lib need a big final day win against Primrose Hill Lib to keep their promotion hopes alive as they are six points behind Springwood who currently occupy the second promotion place. Three points for Springwood from their final day outing to Marsh United 'B' will almost certainly guarantee them promotion as they currently hold a 75-points 'Aggregate For' lead over their rivals. The promotion issue will be decided next Tuesday but with three Division 4 fixtures scheduled for a week later, the relegation outcome is likely to drag on for a further week.
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