Veterans League
Preview of the 10-Man League fixtures for Tuesday 4 October
A 15-match last day of the Veterans 10-Man League season will resolve the outstanding issues, none more so than the destination of the Teddy Pearson Cup which goes to the winners of the Division 1 Championship. Golcar Lib 'A' need one point from their home match against 2nd placed Kirkheaton Con 'A' to claim the title for the first time since 2005.
Only the top two can now win the title and Kirkheaton Con 'A' go into their last match of their first season back in the top flight knowing that they need a 9-0 away win to lift the title. They also know that a heavy defeat could see them drop as low as 4th place so tight has been the competition all season. All matters at the foot of the table are resolved with the two Lindley teams on their way down.
All matters at both ends of the Division 2 table are sorted with Milnsbridge 'A' and Lowerhouses gaining promotion whilst Brockholes 'A' and Lockwood Con 'B' drop through the relegation trapdoor to regroup for next season.
However things are still in the balance in Divisions 3 and 4. In Division 3 Linthwaite Hall are the Champions but who gets promotion with them has still to be finalised. That 2nd promotion spot is currently held by Holmfirth 'A' and they can do nothing more than stand on the sidelines as Golcar Lib 'B' look towards making it a great season for their club needing 8 points from their final match to climb to second place. That match is away at bottom-of-the-table Marsh United 'B' who need a 9-0 win to stave off relegation so everything for both teams to play for. A nine-point swing would see Springwood going down instead.
In Division 4 interest is all around Outlane's final fixture as they need a 9-0 win to overtake already promoted Meltham 'B' for the title. That match is away at mid-table Huddersfield RUBC who have one of the better home records so a 9-0 win would be some achievement. Mathematically Ravensknowle Park could still take the 2nd promotion place away from Outlane but they would need to win 9-0 away at Milnsbridge 'B' and also reverse a current 74-point aggregate gap to finish as runners-up.
Milnsbridge 'B' have their own motivation to win that match to ensure remaining at the same level next season as they can be overtaken by Brockholes 'B' who are trying to avoid a club double relegation at home to Elland C&BC 'B' who are also within their escape range.
Division 5 bowling in 2023 awaits already relegated New Mill 'B' along with one of the other three contenders after the last round of fixtures but they wont be meeting Kirkheaton Con 'B' or Marsh Lib there as both have already confirmed their promotion to Division 4 for next season.
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