Colne Valley team clash is a surprise

Veterans League

Preview of the Veterans 10-Man League Divisions 3,4&5 fixtures scheduled for Tuesday 6 May

A top v bottom clash in Division 3 catches the eye because it is a surprise (to me) to see either of these teams in the positions they are in. Hemplow A are top of the table, whilst not being disrespectful, I am pleased for them but at the same time, surprised that they are in such an elevated position. For many years they have finished middle table in Division 2 until 2023 when they dropped through the relegation trapdoor to Division 3 after finishing second to bottom. Last year they finished mid-table in Division 3 and probably expected to continue that mid-table existence this year and maybe they have surprised themselves as well with the positive start they have made.

This Tuesday they have to pop down the Colne Valley along the A62 to play their near neighbours Slaithwaite who have lost all three of their fixtures this season. A third-place finish in 2024 led me to tip them for promotion this season so that may be the reason for their problems! I am surprised to see them languishing in the drop zone and fully expect them to recover from that and what better time would there be when you meet the top of the table opposition.

Brockholes A have the division's only other unbeaten record but that resolve will be well tested at Lindley Lib B this week. The top three teams all have away fixtures this week with the most difficult one likely to be for third-placed Holmfirth A who have to visit fourth-placed Almondbury Lib where a home win would surely see the positions reversed.

Just three points separate the bottom seven teams with Marsh Lib A and Thorpe Green at either end of that cluster and they meet at Thorpe Green's home with plenty to play for. Paddock I&C and Linthwaite Hall are also in that cluster of seven as they go up against each other at Paddock's unique green. Springwood and Lockwood Con B complete the 7-team cluster and all have plenty to play for.

The top three teams in Division 4 all have 100% win records and that could continue for another week as they don't face each other this week. With just 2 points between these three one good or bad scoreline could change things dramatically. The Rugby Club lead the way but have to go to play third-placed Skel Windmill whilst second-placed Marsh United B go to Primrose Hill Lib.

The bottom three teams in the table all have home fixtures this week with one of those, David Brown Sports, having the incentive of hosting the 4th from bottom team of Meltham B who are on the same points mark of ten. Also in the mix are Thongsbridge B and Milnsbridge B who are in the bottom two places and they have home matches against Netherton Con B and Ravensknowle Park respectively.

That just leaves the mid-table pairing of Kirkheaton C&BC A and Huddersfield Recreation Club to complete the programme and both are nearer the bottom than the top points-wise so adding an edge to their meeting.

The top five teams in Division 5 are only 4 points apart with two of those confronting each other this week. The leaders are Dalton despite having lost one of their three fixtures to date whereas their opponents, Lindley BC B, have a 100% win record but sit two points behind them. Greenhead Park have the other 100% win record and they have to travel to Hemplow B In a reverse of the norm, New Mill B have won both of their away matches this season and lost their solitary home fixture. This week they have the opportunity to address that when hosting 6th-placed Almondbury BC B

Holmfirth B and Brockholes B occupy the bottom two positions and they have home matches to look forward to on Tuesday against Kirkheaton Con B and Broad Oak B. The two teams immediately above the bottom pair are Kirkheaton C&BC B and Marsh Lib B and a meeting of the two this week will determine which moves ahead of the other.