Winter League
Leadership of the Division 3 table appears to be claimed by default as at least two teams have lost their nerve when the top spot is waiting for a credible suitor. Long time leaders Rastrick 'A' went down 0-8 to lowly Milnsbridge 'B' in the day's shock result. That should have left the path free for Thorpe Green 'C' to take control as they faced a Dalton side that had lost their last match 0-8. But that obvious outcome was avoided by a dogged and determined Dalton side who claimed the aggregate score 55-54 to share the points 4-4 although that was just enough to put the Thorpe Green host team at the top of the pile for now but it hardly seems a secure or lasting arrangement based on this week's form.
With another 60+ crowd enjoying the winter sunshine it was Lindley BC 'B' who made the latest and biggest inroads into the title battle as they swept aside Huddersfield Recreation Club 'B' in emphatic style logging a second consecutive 8-0 win to move into second place in the table. Brockholes were without a match this week but remain very much part of the promotion battle as do Milnsbridge 'B' after their whitewash of the previous leaders. These two teams have the division's best win ratio (67%) so better things are expected of them as the season progresses.
There are just 6 points between the top five teams who will all relish their chances as will sixth-placed Lowerhouses 'B' who feel that they have under-performed to date and are the sleeping giant about to emerge from their slumbers and shatter the comfy share-out of spoils. This week they beat Springwood 'B' 6-2 although that result will not send shockwaves through their Division 3 opponents but at least keeps them within reachable range having won as many games as the top two teams.
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