League News
Longwood have suddenly emerged on the Section 1 title race scene after a run of 8 victories in their last 9 matches and are now just 4 points behind second-placed Elland C&BC 'A' who they have still to meet in their final 3 fixtures. The pressure is mounting on the Elland side with 2 defeats in their last 3 matches, both away from home and two away games feature among their final 3 fixtures whereas the other two contenders both have two home games to come.
Lockwood Con's form isn't great with 3 defeats in their last 7 matches making Longwood the form team at just the right time but they need to keep that run going as they are still 4 and 10 points behind their rivals. Lockwood Con also have three matches against teams in the top six which is the most difficult batch among the three contenders. Meltham 'A' and Crosland Moor are just above the drop zone and face each other this week which will give heart to Netherton Con 'A' who have Golcar Lib 'A' as visitors this week and really need to make ground on both of the teams directly above them.
Kirkheaton Con 'A' need a couple of points from their home match with Hemplow to clinch the Section 2 title whilst there are three real contenders for the second promotion place. New Mill 'A' need to get back on the winning ways to reduce the 8 point gap between themselves and second-placed Lindley BC 'A'. New Mill have a home fixture against Shepley whilst their two main rivals for that second spot are both away from home this week. Kirkheaton C&BC 'A' and Paddock I&C could both be relegated this week if the results go against them and any reprise would only be for a week surely as they are well adrift at the foot of the table.
The top two teams in Section 3 are separated by a single point and both have away games this week which may offer an opportunity to third-placed Golcar Lib 'B' who are at home to Holmfirth 'A'. The leaders Slaithwaite go to relegation-threatened Outlane with Lowerhouses just a point off top spot go to mid-table Almondbury Lib. It looks like two to be relegated from three sitting there now with the bottom two in confrontation this week. Defeat for Brockholes 'B' would surely signal the end of their rearguard action leaving Meltham 'B' and Outlane to sort out the remaining place between them.
Section 4 leaders Huddersfield Recreation Club don't have a game this Tuesday but are safe in the knowledge that they will still sit at the top of the table after this latest round of matches as second-placed Denby Dale are 10 points adrift. They will be looking for a minimum of three points from their match at home to Primrose Hill Lib which will confirm their promotion. A win last week for Kirkheaton Con 'B' took them off the bottom of the table for the first time since the beginning of the season. They continue to look upwards as they take on the next team up, Thongsbridge 'B', who sit 6 points ahead of them and are still looking for their first away win of the season. Netherton Con 'B' dropped to bottom place last week and are away at Elland C&BC 'B' this week.
With 7 points between the top three teams in Section 5 there is still plenty to play for with the top three teams all facing away fixtures this Tuesday. The leaders, the Rugby Club, then have their two nearest rivals to face in their final two games before the promotion and title matters are decided. The bottom four teams are separated by 4 points and with pride at stake all will be keen to distance themselves from the wooden spoon position as soon as posiible.
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