Meltham still trying to shake off Lindley Lib

Winter League

The Division 2 fixture programme resumes this Wednesday with Meltham still trying to open a gap between themselves and Lindley Lib. Despite winning all 9 matches to date the gap between the top two teams is only 8 points which is one week's big win and too close to be able to cruise through the second half of the season.

This week Lindley Lib, on paper, appear to have the hardest match as they take on Jackson Bridge who shared the spoils 4-4 with them when they met earlier in the season. Whereas the leaders Meltham meet Almondbury BC who sit in 6th place but only 4 points off a relegation spot. All Almondbury's wins have come against teams lower in the table than them and the early season meeting of the two teams resulted in a whitewash win for Meltham. Regardless of this week's results the top two will still be the top two for the following week when they go head-to-head in what could be the start or end of the title race.

Bottom of the table Paddock I&C have a bye week and will be watching with interest the outcome of the matches involving their nearest rivals. Huddersfield Recreation Club will want to ensure they at least match the points total of their prime rival, Thorpe Green 'B', for the second relegation place but that will not be easy against a Springwood 'A' team that still harbours interest in the promotion place.

Denby Dale are 35 points adrift of the league leaders and 20 points ahead off the bottom but only 12 points from a relegation place so that is where their focus is likely to be locked on to for the immediate future. A repeat of their early season 6-2 win over Thorpe Green 'B' will suit them well and ensure that the Thorpe Green side remain in the relegation mix for a little longer.

All four matches start at 12noon on Wednesday and spectators are very welcome to join teams welcoming in the New Year by doing what they enjoy most - bowling.