Veterans League
A preview of the Veterans 6-Man League fixture programme for Monday 29 May
Things have certainly moved on in the 6-Man League with none of last season's top three finishers featuring in this year's Division 1 top three at present. With Netherton Con rejuvenated and back in the form that saw them finish as runners-up in 2021 and the two promoted teams occupying 1st and 4th positions as well, it is turning into a surprise season and nothing in this week's fixture programme suggests any major change to that running order is afoot.
The two promoted teams face each other this week in the Marsh United 'A' v Skel Windmill 'A' fixture. Last season they shared the spoils with each team winning their home game and the same outcome this week would suit the leaders.
Unbeaten Netherton Con sit in 2nd place on the same points and 'Aggregate For' totals as the leaders and a trip to Milnsbridge 'A' coming up this week. The Milnsbridge side have won both their home matches to date by the same 4-3 scoreline and will be looking to make that a hat-trick of wins. Brockholes 'A' are third in the table just one point behind the joint leaders and a trip to play Lockwood Con does not present the threatening obstacle of old so will aim to pick up points on the leaders.
Lockwood Con are one of three teams still looking for their first wins of the season and all three may well be waiting a little longer for that elusive first win as Elland C&BC have to go to the home of the Champions, Shepley 'A', and bottom of the table, Longwood, host Crosland Moor who have lost both of their away matches so far by the same 0-7 scoreline. Golcar C&BC versus Thongsbridge 'A' is the other fixture and the incentive for the winner is likely to be a top-half position come Monday tea-time.
Paddock I&C's five-match unbeaten start to the season has ensured that they top the Division 2 table as we enter week 6 of the campaign. The leaders are at home to 5th placed Milnsbridge B who have won both of their away matches to date and will be cautiously optimistic on their chances. Second-placed Lindley Lib 'A' are away at Skel Windmill 'B' where they will be aiming to extend the home team's losing run which stretches back to the opening day of the season.
Milnsbridge 'A' are in the group of three teams just behind the leading pair along with Slaithwaite and Clayton West both of whom will look to beat lower table opponents this week and close that gap on the top duo. Slaithwaite are at home to Almondbury Lib who have struggled this season so far whilst Clayton West have their derby match at home to Denby Dale. The Denby Dale side collected their first win of the season last week and will be looking to build on that this week.
Linthwaite Hall struggled all last season when being put into the top division for their first season in the league and things haven't got much easier since their relegation to Division 2. This Monday they go to play Golcar Lib and any picked up point will be welcome.
The Division 3 Marsh derby match sees the top two teams facing each other at the Marsh Lib green where Marsh United 'B' are the visitors. Marsh Lib's unbeaten record went last week away at Greenhead Park and the team will be looking for a positive reaction to set them back on track for title honours. Three points behind the leaders, Marsh United 'B' but with a match in hand and playing at home should be a platform to narrow that gap.
Only 2 points but 3 places separate Holmfirth 'B' and Meltham who meet this week and both teams have every right to be looking upwards rather than down and one of those teams will do so with some justification after this week's result. Greenhead Park have won all three of their home fixtures this season and Primrose Hill Lib have won both of their away matches to date but one of those records will go after Monday's round of fixtures as they meet each other.
Brockholes will be making their 6th attempt to register their first win of the season this week when New Mill are the visitors and Thongsbridge v Hemplow completes the day's set of fixtures.