Latest Division 8 results decide little

Winter League

Review of the results from Divisions 8&9 matches played on Tuesday 20 January

The penultimate round of fixtures in Division 8 promised a title-decider and it looks like that was what was delivered, almost. The top two teams in confrontation with both on the same 67-points mark with Lockwood Con C coming out on top 6-2 to give them a 4-points lead over Hemplow. That means that both teams are promoted and that Lockwood Con C only need another 5 points from their final fixture, which is against 2025 Champions Golcar C&BC, to guarantee the title as well.

Hemplow's final match is against Broad Oak B and even an 8-0 win cannot gaurantee to secure the title for them but the carrot is there. The Hemplow team had a poor run of results over recent weeks failing to win any of their last four fixtures whereas Lockwood Con C have now won 5 on the bounce to be one step away from the title.

Another matter still to be resolved is which two teams are going to be relegated. It is 2 from 3 going down with Cowcliffe 4 points behind their two rivals, Meltham B and Linthwaite Hall B, and favourites to claim one of those two spots. The other two are locked together on 34 points with the Meltham team holding a 62 points 'Aggregate For' advantage which is worth another point when the going gets tough.

The final Tuesday sees two of the bottom three teams pitched against each other as Cowcliffe C taking on Meltham B with no guarantee of survival for the winner but whichever team loses will definitely be relegated. At the same time Linthwaite Hall B have to play Mirfield B who have nothing at stake. However the Linfit team have been damaged by only being able to field three bowlers in their last two matches. All will be resolved next Tuesday.

It is similar in Division 9 with only two rounds of fixtures still to be played and the title race is still on between Kirkheaton C&BC C and Greenhead Park. The latter having released top spot after Tuesday's fixture programme when they beat Mirfield C 6-2. That wasn't enough to hang on to topspot as the Kirkheaton side lodged an 8-0 win over their neighbours, Kirkheaton Con C, to take over at the top. Both teams have promotion within their grasp but which one of them will take the title? That may well be decided next week when the top two face each other in what could be a real title decider.

Marsh Lib B have been around the top of the table all season and a latest run of 4 wins from their last 5 matches would have been sufficient most seasons to launch a real promotion challenge but that now looks unlikely as the two leaders have taken over, and their destiny is no longer in their own hands.

Relegation matters are a little clearer with Mirfield C only needing three points from their last two fixtures to secure their place in Division 9 for next season. That would send Brockholes C and Almondbury BC A down into Division 10.