Veterans League
A preview of the final week of fixtures in the Veterans League season
The final week of the Veterans League season and there are still a number of issues to be completed in the top three divisions. Still to be resolved are the runners-up place in Division 1 as well as the 2nd relegation place. In Division 2 the 2nd promotion place will go to one of three teams still in the picture and then at the foot of the table Holmfirth 'A' can avoid relegation by winning their last match of the season. The title and promotion matters are sorted in Division 3 but at the foot of the table there are still 5 teams in danger of taking the second relegation place.
On top of all that is the unknown factor of the rebalancing exercise promised by the Management Committee. This is where the 5 divisions are restructured to make them all of an even number. With 60 teams in the League that should end up with five divisions with 12 teams in each but that is before any teams withdrawing or new teams joining the League. That cannot be decided before the start of next season but the dotted lines on the included tables shows which teams are in danger should the numbers remain at 60 teams for the 2024 season.
In Division 1 Longwood need to win their final fixture at home to Lowerhouses to lift themselves above Meltham and out of the bottom two certain relegation places. They could even ensure their top level participation next year by going above Elland or Cowcliffe distancing themselves from any rebalancing exercise. There are a lots of teams still in contention for the runners-up position with Marsh United 'A' in poll position with a home match against Clayton West to complete their season.
Netherton Con 'A' are the Division 2 Champions but who goes up with them is unlikely to be decided until the final day of the season which in this case will be next Friday when the title holders host Lindley BC 'A' who are well positioned to pip Shepley for that spot who will complete their season away at Almondbury BC 'A'. Holmfirth 'A' need four points from their home match against Netherton Con 'A' on Tuesday to send down Bradley & Colne and Hemplow 'A'.
The final day Division 3 fixture between Huddersfield Recreation Club and Lockwood Con 'B' will determine which of the two teams takes the second relegation place. The Recreation Club need to win 7-2 to ensure that it isn't them. That scoreline would also take them above the dotted line and clear of any rebalancing work for next season. Top of the table matters are all sorted with Golcar Lib 'B' taking the title and being promoted along with Almondbury Lib.
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