Thorpe Green almost there in title chase

Winter League

Review of the Division 1 fixtures played on Wednesday 11 February at Milnsbridge BC

After the latest round of Division 1 fixtures, Thorpe Green A just need two points from their final fixture to claim their third successive Champions title. A 6-2 win over Lindley BC A being the latest step forward in reaching a new League record. A final day meeting with already relegated Kirkheaton Con A being the final hurdle to overcome to make it another good year for a team that have played in the top division since being founder members of the League.

Lower Hopton will not give up the chase and a latest 8-0 win over bottom team Golcar Lib ensures that they keep the pressure on the leaders until the last wood is bowled. Their poor opening to the season when losing their first two matches, their only defeats all season, are now a matter of regret and they have been playing catch-up all season but the Thorpe Green side have offered little in encouragement to any of the teams following in their wake.

Cowcliffe were surprisingly beaten by Kirkheaton Con A 2-6 for a third win of the season but that came too late to save them from confirming their expected relegation. Those dropped points allowed Hanging Heaton A to move alongside the Cowcliffe team on the same 53 points mark. Hanging Heaton appear to be having a satisfactory first season in the top division and seem destined for a top-half finish.

There are two trophies presented to each division in the League. One going to the top team and one to the Top Bowler. A Wednesday off for Ian Briggs of Thorpe Green enabled Lower Hopton bowler Nick Oddy to overtake him in the Top Bowler contest. Both are now on the same 10 wins mark and are only separated by an 18-point Aggregate Difference total.

DIVISION 1 TOP BOWLERS