Car-crash casualties inevitable

Veterans League

A preview of matches to be played in the 6-Man League on Monday 23 May

This week's Division 1 fixture programme has produced two car-crash confrontations as the top four teams play each other with casualties inevitable. The top two teams meet up as Champions Shepley 'A' have home advantage over the in form Golcar C&BC team with just one point between the two. Then the teams in third and fourth places also meet up as Crosland Moor and Longwood go head-to-head and again a single point separates the two as they line up this week.

Below that quartet sits an interested trio of teams all within reach of the top position and playing opposition below them in the league this week. Thongsbridge 'B' are 2 points off the top of the table and visit bottom of the league Linthwaite Hall, still looking for their first win of the season, this Monday with expectations of adding to their win total.

Seventh-placed Honley Con who were 2nd last week will hanker after a swift return to those lofty heights when they welcome struggling Lindley Lib 'A' to their home green at Lowerhouses for this week's match. Sixth-placed Netherton Con look to have a more difficult task when they go to Milnsbridge BC. Brockholes 'A' and Lockwood Con complete the division's fixtures this week where the winner of that match can expect to put some daylight between themselves and the relegation battle.

Division 2 leaders Slaithwaite have a 100% home record after 3 matches whilst their visitors this week, New Mill, have lost all 3 of their away games by the same 2-5 scoreline so only one result appears likely. Second-placed Clayton West will expect to keep pace with the leaders as they have an away match at Lindley Lib 'B' who have only won one match this season and sit at the foot of the latest table. Skel Windmill 'A' are without a match this week but will retain 4th place regardless of any other results.

Marsh United 'A' are just two points behind the top two and will look to pull them back at Meltham this week who are in dire need of some more points themselves. Meltham have won all of their 10 points this season in home matches after losing both their away games 0-7 so far and so indicating how important home form continues to be for them.

Golcar Lib can expect to lose top spot in Division 3 as they don't have a match this week and their two main opponents could both take advantage to pass them. However 2nd placed Marsh Lib have the tougher task away at Hemplow but a win would send them past the leaders where they could be joined by 3rd placed Almondbury Lib who have an easier looking task at home to a Brockholes 'B' side still looking for their first win of 2022.

After a bright start to the season Greenhead Park have lost their last two matches and will view the visit of Thongsbridge 'A' as an opportunity to get back on the winning trail who themselves are looking at joining in on the top three if results go their way. Marsh United 'B' would love to clock up their first win of the season at home to Primrose Hill Lib but form suggests that would be some achievement whilst Holmfirth 'B' will be looking to put daylight between themselves and the bottom four when one of that four, Shepley 'B', are their visitors this Monday.