Top 2 battles in top 2 divisions this week

Veterans League

Preview of the Veterans 10-Man League Divisions 1 & 2 matches on Tuesday 15 August

The top two teams in Division 1 meet this week when the runaway leaders, Golcar Lib 'A' play host to a Rastrick team that may have an eye on the teams behind them rather than the one team above them. Regardless of the outcome of this match, Rastrick will be well aware of the group of teams queueing up to snatch 2nd place away from them. Golcar have only lost one home match all season and will be all out to avenge an early season defeat at Rastrick. With a 20-points gap between the teams already the expectation is that will have grown after Tuesday's match but whether Rastrick are still their nearest rival remains to be seen.

Clayton West are without a match this week so will not be a threat but Lowerhouses have a home match against bottom-of-the-table Milnsbridge 'A' so could realistically take over second place with a good win. Kirkheaton Con 'A' are in 5th place and travel to Meltham where the home team are desperate for points. The next two teams in the table meet each other at Marsh United where Cowcliffe are the visitors. Two teams in contrasting runs of form as Cowcliffe have only won one of their last seven matches whilst the Marsh team have won their last 5 fixtures and with only one point between them in the table everything could change.

There are some big matches in the battle against relegation lined up for this week. Second from bottom Longwood have to go to fourth from bottom Lockwood Con and the 5th and 6th from bottom teams are fully entwined in the relegation rumble as well. Waterloo and Elland C&BC both need the points with the possibility of three teams being relegated there is much to play for when they meet. The teams are locked together on 77 points which means they are only 4 points off the third relegation place at present.

There is also a top two confrontation in Division 2 as Netherton Con 'A' and Shepley meet up separated by two points. Netherton are on a great run of results having won their last 8 matches which has taken them clear at the top but they host a Shepley side that has won their last two matches by 9-0 and within only 2 points between the teams the importance of this result cannot be over-emphasised.

The two Lindley teams will be watching the outcome of that match with added interest as both retain a real interest in an immediate return to the top division. Lindley Lib 'A' have 5th placed Broad Oak 'A' as visitors aiming to complete a league double over their hosts and push themselves into the promotion equation. Lindley BC 'A' could also come into the frame with a match in hand and a visit this week to play a Hemplow 'A' side sitting in a relegation place.

Bottom-of-the-table Bradley & Colne had a good win last week over Lindley Lib 'A' and will be keen to build on that lifeline when they go to Holmfirth to play a relegation rival and a must win match if they are to reel in one of the teams they have to pass to retain any hopes of survival. Thorpe Green find themselves in the bottom four after successive 0-9 defeats and need to address that situation with a home match against Thongsbridge 'A' who had their own 9-0 win boost last week.

Almondbury BC 'A' and Linthwaite Hall are just above the bottom four which could be the divider for relegation places with the anticipated rebalancing of the divisions threatened this year. A 9-0 win for Linthwaite Hall last week has boosted their survival chances and they will be keen to build on that this Tuesday although having only won one away match all season (at Bradley & Colne) that may be a step too far at present.