Slaithwaite under title chase pressure

Winter League

Preview of the Wednesday fixtures in Divisions 3 & 5

Almondbury BC B started their first appearance in the Division 3 fixture programme with a strong opening campaign of four straight 6-2 wins, very impressive, especially as they started last season in Division 6. However after that bright opening they hit a bad patch of three games without a win. They have subsequently recovered with two more wins before the ultimate test of taking on the leaders from Slaithwaite this week. Seeing as Slaithwaite were one of the teams they beat in that opening run there is no reason they should be concerned about a 6 points difference between the teams. Yet Slaithwaite are top of the table for a good reason - they have more points than any other team! This could be a key game in the title and promotion battles, so lots of interest in the outcome.

There is also a key match at the foot of the table with the two teams above the bottom position going head-to-head this Wednesday. Lindley BC B take on Springwood A and although the Springwood team hold a 6 points lead over their opponents, both teams have had some good recent results so things could be tight.

Thorpe Green have been operating under the radar to climb quietly into third position after only losing one of their last five fixtures, so playing bottom-of-the-table, Lockwood Con A should hold few fears for them. Two teams locked together on the same 38 points mark completes Wednesday's programme as Denby Dale try and resurrect their promotion push when taking on Lindley Lib B.

There is a top versus bottom clash in Division 5 as the leaders, Mirfield Old Bank, face Thorpe Green B whilst Mirfield A intend stepping on the leaders tail once again by matching the leader's result when they take on Milnsbridge C. The Milnsbridge side are unbeaten in their last five matches but the Mirfield side are unbeaten all season so a top notch match is anticipated.

Jackson Bridge will be sniffing around to take advantage of any slipups by the top two as they face Dalton who they beat 6-2 on the opening day of the season and a repeat cannot be ruled out. The final match pitches two teams on the same 20-point mark and both share the second relegation place at present adding to the tension and importance of this encounter as Kirkheaton C&BC A prepare to take on Paddock I&C.