Veterans League
A full 6-Man League fixture programme this week when the conditions are likely to be a little cooler than of late and probably a lot wetter with the threat of thunder-storms being forecast. That will make playing conditions so much different to recent experiences with different challenges to be overcome, such is the attraction of crown green bowling.
A big match in Division 1 as 1st plays 3rd with leaders Shepley 'A' at home to Honley Con. The 50% ban seems to have hit the Honley side as hard as any and they have lost their last two matches, both away from home, 2-5. They complete a run of 3 away matches on the bounce this Monday which is likely to be the most difficult of the three. However Shepley come off the back of a defeat at Thongsbridge 'B' which ended a run of 4 straight wins.
Golcar C&BC could be the ones to take advantage of any slip-ups by the leaders but they host an in-form Brockholes 'A' team that has only lost away at Shepley in their last 9 matches. With Honley Con and Shepley lined up as their next two opponents the Golcar C&BC side will want to start this hard spell with a big statement win.
This a big week for Lindley Lib 'A' as well if they are to reduce the gap to safety with a home match against a Thongsbridge 'B' team that has only won once away all season and are one of the teams within spitting distance. Longwood are also within range so their match away at fourth-placed Netherton Con is also key at both ends of the table.
Slaithwaite are the only team in the top half of the Division 2 table with an away match this week so will do well to hang on to second place after their trip to Holmfirth 'A'. Marsh United 'A' will see their match at home to Lindley Lib 'B' as a great opportunity to stretch their lead at the top although 3rd placed Skel Windmill 'A' are at home to Meltham who have lost their last 3 matches and are in real danger of getting sucked into the relegation battle. The bottom two confront each other at New Mill with Skel Windmill 'B' the visitors.
A good opportunity for Golcar Lib to extend their lead at the top of Division 3 with a home fixture against Greenhead Park whilst their two closest rivals Almondbury Lib and Hemplow both on their travels this Monday. Almondbury Lib have to go to Primrose Hill Lib who have won their last 3 matches and still retain some hope of joining the promotion candidates. Hemplow are at a Brockholes 'B' side that continues to labour at the wrong end of the table although they have won their last two home matches. Marsh Lib could benefit from having Shepley 'B' as visitors as they haven't won an away match all season.