Veterans 10-Man League
Lockwood Con 'A' continue to set the pace at the top of Section 1 and are currently on a 7-match winning run and have a 10-point lead over the chasing pack. That pack of 6 teams separated by 8 points includes Longwood who are next up to challenge the credentials of the reigning Champions. Longwood have only lost once at home this season and for added interest to this fixture is that it could be a rehearsal for the Team KO Final as both teams are in different semi-finals of this competition. Second-placed Golcar Lib need a solid response to last week's home defeat if they are to maintain any sort of challenge to the leaders and a visit to another chasing-pack member in the form of Cowcliffe will be a true test of their intent. Waterloo need a second successive away win, this time at struggling Crosland Moor, if their improved form is to be taken seriously and to maintain an ongoing interest in proceedings at the top. Elland C&BC 'A' have long been seen as the prime challengers to the Lockwood team but that challenge is faltering now as they are on a run of 4 consecutive away defeats which has seen them drop to 4th place and they really need a win at Lindley Lib 'A' this week if they are to reignite their title challenge. Marsh United are the form team in the top section on a run of 4 wins in their last 5 matches and now starting a run of 3 matches against teams in the bottom half of the table the first being at home to relegation-threatened Netherton Con 'A' this Tuesday. At the bottom, the plight of the bottom two continues to look bleak especially as both have away matches this week whilst the three teams immediately above them all have home fixtures.
The scheduled meeting of the top two teams in Section 2 involving the leaders Kirkheaton Con 'A' and Lindley BC 'A' has been postponed due to a Lindley BC member being tested positive for the COVID-19 infection. The Section 4 fixture between the two clubs' 'B' sides has also been put off for the same reason. New Mill 'A' are on a run of 5 straight wins and this week entertain third-placed Broad Oak 'A' who have lost 2 of their last 3 matches although remain only 2 points off the second promotion spot. Kirkheaton C&BC 'A' and Paddock I&C currently occupy the two relegation places and that will not change this week regardless of any scoring outcome but the fact that both teams play away from home will not help their situation.
Lowerhouses and Slaithwaite are locked together on the same number of points at the top of Section 3 with the leaders, Lowerhouses, facing a difficult trip to play third-placed Holmfirth 'A' whilst Slaithwaite have a home fixture versus Skel Windmill. The bottom three teams all have home fixtures this week but with none of the three in great form at present it could be small margins that make the difference from their games this week.
With third-placed Lindley BC 'B' having their COVID-affected match postponed this week it leaves the way clear for the Section 4 top two to increase their lead but with only 2 points between leaders Denby Dale and Huddersfield Recreation Club, it remains to be seen in which order they finish the day. Both have away fixtures against mid-table opponents with the Recreation Club's need the greater having played a game more than the leaders. With bottom team Kirkheaton Con 'B' idle this week due to Lindley BC's COVID impact it presents an opportunity for the two teams immediately above them to widen the gap as both have home games this week. Netherton Con 'B' won their first two matches of the season but haven't bothered since and their situation is the more dire. However Almondbury BC 'B' have won 5 of their last 6 matches but still remain within touching distance of the second relegation place so lots still to play for.
As highlighted in last week's preview Marsh Lib have the easiest run-in of the top teams in Section 5 and they duly obliged with a 9-0 home success last Tuesday. They will be aiming to do the same this week with a home match against a Dalton side who, although sat in 4th place, owe that position entirely to their 7-0 home record whilst only winning one away match all season. Leaders, The Rugby Club, have a home match against David Brown Sports whose impressive run of results ended with a surprise home defeat to Hemplow 'B' last week who were claiming their first away victory of the season. That Hemplow side will be looking for that momentum to continue when hosting 2nd-placed New Mill 'B' who have won their last 5 matches. The bottom two teams, Kirkheaton C&BC 'B' and Broad Oak 'B', are locked together on 49 points and both have home Tuesday fixtures against mid-table opponents so anything is possible.
THE BOWLSNET PAGES OF THE VETERANS 10-MAN LEAGUE
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