Top 2 clashes will reveal the Christmas No.1's

Winter League

Preview of the Divisions 5 & 6 matches scheduled for Thursday 21 December

NOTE: The matches at the Rugby Club will start at 11:00am for this week only.

It is an unlikely time for the top two teams in Divisions 5 and 6 to be wishing each other the best of seasonal greetings as they go head to head with each other with the Christmas Number 1's as the prize for the winners. Slaithwaite lead the Division 5 table by two points from Springwood C as the teams face each other this Thursday at Netherton Con. Springwood being the form team having won their last four fixtures whilst Slaithwaite have stuttered a little only winning of 2 their last 6 matches which is hardly the form of title winners.

Jackson Bridge have a timely break from proceedings after drawing their last match following a run of 5 straight wins had taken them to the top of the table. They now rest in third place only 2 points off top spot so still very much in the title mix. Outlane remain in contention for a promotion place and will look to confirm that status when they play Almondbury BC B this Thursday.

There is also a bottom two clash as the teams in the relegation places meet up. Netherton Con B have had a torrid season to date but will hope to end 2023 by winning for the first time this season when they meet their nearest rivals Huddersfield Recreation Club who are heading for a second successive relegation. That leaves Mirfield A after a commendable 4-4 draw with Jackson Bridge last week to build on that when playing Brockholes B this week. A repeat of the opening day 8-0 win for the Brockholes team would suit them fine but the Mirfield team have progressed from that first match in the League and will offer a much stronger opponent this time.

There is another top two teams clash in Division 6 as the leaders, Linthwaite Hall, will be looking to retain their 14-points advantage over Lockwood Con B. With only one defeat all season Linthwaite Hall are deserved leaders and an 8-0 win over their opponents earlier in the season gives them a strong case to complete the double. This could all pave the way for third-placed New Mill C to move into the promotion places as they play bottom-of-the-table Mirfield B this Thursday.

Broad Oak have won 3 of their last 5 fixtures but have to face the host's representatives this week who have won 2 of their last 3 matches including beating the leaders so are probably in their best form of the season. That leaves the mid-table pairing of Cowcliffe B and Golcar C&BC facing each other with two points between them revenge in the minds of the Golcar team to avenge an early seson 2-6 defeat against the same opposition.