Veterans League
Review of the Veterans 6-Man League fixtures played on Monday 26 September
After the latest round of 6-Man League fixtures most of the title, promotion and relegation issues have been sorted out. All the issues in Division 1 have been resolved so congratulations to Shepley 'A' for retaining their Champions title for a second consecutive season. Their 6-1 away win at Netherton Con was sufficient to confirm their position at the top of the table and the retention of the title.
The confusion of the 50% rule has skewed results, promotion and relegation across several divisions this year not just in the 6-Man League. I'm pleased that the loopholes in the League Rules around the 50% rule didn't impact on the outcome eventually of this title race.
One matter at the top and one at the bottom of Division 2 remain outstanding but the 50% Rule has interfered with
things in this Division. Skel Windmill 'A' need one point from their final fixture to secure promotion but that is now a foregone conclusion. Slaithwaite have only fielded four bowlers for their last 5 matches so assuming that continues into this last match then Skel are nailed on for promotion.
Slaithwaite have played it by the book and suffered for it. They have now played their last 5 matches with only 4 bowlers whilst others have been allowed to use a loophole to improve their league positions. The fact that the team know they are going to lose a match before stepping on the green obviously impacts on their morale and so it was this week as they went down 0-7 at Lindley Lib 'B'. That enabled the Lindley team to escape relegation this week as that result put them above the safety line.
So either New Mill or Skel Windmill 'B' will accompany Meltham through the relegation trapdoor. Both have final away fixtures. New Mill play at bottom of the table Meltham on Friday and are 3 points behind the Skel Windmill 'B' side who are away at 3rd in the table Holmfirth 'A' next Monday.
The only unfinished business in Division 3 is which of Shepley B or Brockholes B is going to take the Wooden Spoon for finishing bottom. In total 10 fixtures across the league are still to be completed and they will all be played by next Monday afternoon.
AS IT STANDS
Division 1
Shepley are Champions
Honley Con are the runners-up
Linthwaite Hall are relegated
Lindley Lib A are relegated
Division 2
Marsh United A are Champions
Skel Windmill A need 1 point from their final match away to Slaithwaite to take the 2nd promotion place
Meltham are relegated
Either New Mill or Skel Windmill B will be relegated
Division 3
Golcar Lib are Champions
Almondbury Lib are promoted
Either Brockholes B or Shepley B will get the Wooden Spoon
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