Final day and everything is up in the air

Winter League Review of the Division 2 results from Monday and Tuesday fixtures on 2&3 February

Division 2 bowlers are reminded that the Winter Cup Qualifying Round is now being played on Tuesday 10 February starting at 10.00am. This is a switch from the League fixtures previously scheduled for that date. This helps accommodate a funeral wake being held at Cowcliffe Liberal Club on the same date. The League fixtures will now be played on Tuesday 17 February at 11.00am and is the final day of the Division 2 season. Bowlsnet has been updated to reflect these changes.

Clayton West captain, Tim Poulter, receives the Division 2 Trophy, The Founder's Plate, from the Winter League Chairman, Richard Long, on Monday 2 February at Cowcliffe.

Clayton West celebrated the presentation of the Division 2 Champions Trophy with two 8-0 wins in two days this week. That puts them 30 points clear of second-placed New Mill B who need 4 points from their final fixture to secure the second promotion place. Unfortunately for them that final fixture is against Clayton West. New Mill B put themselves into contention after beating 3rd-placed Lindley Lib A 6-2. So either New Mill B or Lindley Lib A will take the second promotion place.

The Lindley Lib team have to play Marsh United who are not clear of relegation and need 4 points from their final fixture to secure another season at this level. On Monday Marsh United thrashed Milnsbridge A 8-0 to put their rivals in the drop zone. That was followed up with a second 0-8 defeat for Milnsbridge A, this time by Meltham, which saw the two teams swap positions.

The Great Escape is still on for Meltham A who, after losing their first five fixtures and seriously adrift at the foot of the table, have won 6 of their last 8 matches to put their destiny entirely in their own hands. Their final fixture is against Lowerhouses A whose only win in their last 5 matches has been against their relegated clubmates.

Yet Milnsbridge could still avoid relegation as they play bottom team Lowerhouses B and if they better the Meltham result, then they will escape the drop.

All very complex and lots to play for. All four finals day fixtures will contribute to the final key positions at both ends of the table. No match is exempt from that. What we do already know is that Clayton West are the Division 2 Champions and Lowerhouses B are relegated. The rest is up to the teams at both ends of the table and good luck to them all.

FINAL DAY DIVISION 2 FIXTURE PROGRAMME