Almondbury aim for Division 3 title

Veterans League

Preview of the 6-Man League fixtures for Monday 8 September

Interest is very much alive at both ends of the Division 1 table as we near the end of the season with no confirmed title winners or relegated teams just yet. That could all change this week at the wrong end of the table with the bottom three teams all having home matches that all three need win to extend their hopes of avoiding the big drop for another week. Fourth from bottom Thongsbridge A are not safe yet and being the only bottom four team with an away fixture this week need points as badly as any of the other strugglers.

Things are equally tight at the top of the table where Waterloo continue to set the pace and have a two-points lead over Marsh United A who are the only top four team with a home game this week. They play Thongsbridge A who lost 10 matches on the bounce before getting an overdue home win last week when beating New Mill A.

Waterloo have won their last four fixtures but have a tricky away day match at Milnsbridge A this week. Third-placed Clayton West A have an away encounter with bottom-of-the-pile, New Mill A, and remain very much in the hunt for the 2025 Champions label.

The Division 2 promotion race remains the closest of the four 6-Man League divisions and nothing will be decided on that front this week. Broad Oak remain in poll position as they head the table and have a match in hand over their two main rivals for both the title and promotion.

This week they have to go to Paddock I&C with both of their two rivals also having away fixtures. Second-placed Holmfirth A are at 4th placed Marsh Lib A whilst Lindley Lib A take on bottom-of-the-table Thongsbridge B. The outcome of that match could also send put Thongsbridge B on the edge of relegation into Division 3, with Paddock I&C and Crosland Moor both very interested in that match result.

The 'P' alongside Almondbury Lib's name in the Division 3 table signifies the first confirmed promotion of the season, they cannot be overtaken by the third-placed team. That 'P' will be changed to a 'C' when/if they add the Division 3 title and become the Champions although that is unlikely to happen this week. The Almondbury Lib team have to travel to play Greenhead Park who need the points themselves to avoid becoming involved in a late scrap to steer clear of relegation. The leader's rival for the title are Milnsbridge B and they also have an away fixture this week at Linthwaite Hall and could clinch promotion for themselves with a good away day win.

Third-placed Denby Dale will want to extend their interest in promotion as long as possible and that will mean winning away at Elland C&BC who are just 4 points above the relegation positions so will be going all out for a win for themselves. We will not be seeing the appearance of the first 'R' for relegation indicator this week but it cannot be far away with Holmfirth B in danger of soon being so tagged. They have a home fixture this week against a Primrose Hill Lib team with little to play for although their game in hand over the three teams above them in the table needs to be converted to points to keep any dream alive.

Hemplow B could claim promotion and the Division 4 title should they win their home match against Marsh United B this Monday. Five points will guarantee them promotion, seven points will add the title of Champions to their season on the same day. However Clayton West will need maximum points from their home fixture against bottom-of-the-table Thongsbridge C to keep their own hopes alive and extend the destiny of the 2025 title for a further week.