Lowerhouses v Longwood title clash

Veterans League

Preview of fixtures scheduled for Tuesday 12 August in Divisions 1&2 of the 10-Man League

Longwood are still chasing Lowerhouses in the Division 1 title race with the two teams well ahead of the chasing pack and five points between them. So Tuesday's meeting of the two top teams could be a title-decider and if Longwood can avoid a defeat at the land of five crowns they will deserve to remain in the title race. Lowerhouses have a 100% win record on their own green this season and haven't been beaten at home since July 2023 and are on a run of 22 consecutive wins since Marsh United A were the last team to succeed there. With 4 straight wins, Longwood are in their best run of the season but this has to be the ultimate test.

Third-placed Clayton West are having a good season but lost their last away match and have another this week with a trip to play Kirkheaton Con A. Marsh United A are in danger of being sucked into the relegation battle after losing their last 5 fixtures but have an opportunity not to be missed this week to pick up some valuable points. They have home advantage over visitors Lindley Lib A who sit 5 points and one place above them in the table.

It is getting dire times for the bottom two teams and a win for Waterloo last week over their nearest rivals, Meltham A, didn't ease their plight at all. This week Meltham A have a home match against Golcar Lib A and will be looking to pick up some much-needed points and close the gap to safety.

The two Elland teams continue to dominate the Division 2 title race and both have home matches this week against teams from the bottom half of the table. The leaders are Elland WMC and their fixture against New Mill A looks the easier of the two against a team who have only won one of their last nine fixtures and are only out of the relegation places on a better Aggregate For total. Elland C&BC have to meet an Almondbury BC A team that has won two away matches this season but one of those was notably at Elland WMC to reveal their true potential.

The Netherton Con A versus Denby Dale meeting could be key for the home team in pulling back the two teams immediately above them in the table - New Mill A and Denby Dale. Bottom team Golcar Lib B have lost their last 7 matches and are now 9 points from safety and will need to start clawing them back if they are to have any hope of avoiding the drop. They will recall that last season they only avoided relegation with a better Aggregate For total and are in danger of not having that to fall back on again this season.