Veterans League
After receiving a bye through the Preliminary Round, Netherton Con begin the defence of their 2023 Julie Fuller Trophy title success against Golcar Lib this Thursday as the Last 32 teams face up to each other. The Golcar Lib team head the Division 2 table at present and have a +4 aggregate start on their opponents so will present a formidable obstacle for the holders.
With last year's runners-up, Thongsbridge A, already knocked out of this year's competition focus turns to the other top Division 1 teams to see where a shock result could appear. With only two all-Division 1 clashes that leaves plenty of Division 1 teams shaking at the thought of chasing a handicap deficit of 6 or more which is always going to be tough to recover over three pairs matches.
The Lockwood Con v Clayton West tie represents a rerun of the 2022 Final when Division 2 side Clayton West won all three pairs matches to produce a shock result over their Division 1 opponents. Both teams had +4 handicaps in 2022 but this year Clayton West have a +6 start on their higher division opponents.
The top two teams in Division 3 have drawn each other and both continue to remain unbeaten as Denby Dale and Brockholes B go head-to-head on the Clayton West green. With Lindley Lib B withdrawing from the competition that presents a second bye for Bradley & Colne and they are through to the last 16 without bowling a wood.
The 3-Pairs format is not compatible with a number of team's strengths leading to some shock results on a regular basis. The aggregate scores will determine the winning teams and only if the aggregate totals are the same does the most games factor come into play.
Comments