Shocks galore in the 2026 Bistro

Veterans League

Review of the Tuesday 19 May opening round of the 2026 Veterans 10-Man League Bistro KO

As always plenty of surprise results in the opening round of the 2026 Bistro KO competition. Nowadays it only becomes a surprise if there aren't any shock results in this 5-Pairs KO competition for teams in the Veterans 10-Man League.

So let's identify where lower division teams have eliminated higher-placed opponents with or without the aid of the handicapper. Following on from their 6-Man League teammates, the Division 5 Holmfirth B side tossed aside the Waterloo team sat in 2nd place in the Division 2 table by 106-101. Well done to them.

The Almondbury BC B outfir haven't won any of their four Division 5 fixtures this season but had enough in the tank to push out Division 3 team Kirkheaton C&BC A by 130-116. Very well done to them. Then there was another Division 5 giantkiller when Hemplow B had no respect for their opponent's, Lindley BC A, Division 2 status when beating them 125-112.

Division 4 high-fliers, Kirkheaton Con B didn't need the handicap advantage of 13 (36-23) to eliminate Slaithwaite from Division 4 by 119-102. Thongsbridge A from Division 2 were another team not needing the handicap to beat Division 1 opposition in Rastrick by 98-91.

Also worthy of a mention is Division 3 team Springwood's win over Division 2 opponents Hemplow A in the closest result of the Round by 98-97. Finally, another Division 5 success when Broad Oak B pushed out Ravensknowle Park of Division 4 by 118-100 in another example of a team not needing the handicap advantage to overcome higher-placed opponents.

Clayton West have not had a good start to the season and have lost all four of their Division 1 fixtures to date and that form spilled over into the Bistro where, despite their scratch status, they lost to Division 1 newcomers Elland WMC by 97-88. That may not have been a surprise as the Elland team lifted this title last year and made a good start in defending that achievement.

Plenty more commendable outcomes in the full listing of results below but you can find them for yourselves. Aplogies for any missed giantkilling acts, let me know and I will add them to the list. The full round of the Last 32 is also below and I will add the neutral venues once known.

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