Ultimate test for surprise New Mill team

Winter League

A preview of the Division 2 fixtures scheduled for Tuesday 9 December at Cowcliffe

The final round of fixtures in the first half season of the Division 2 season throws together two teams vying for promotion to the top tier of bowling in the League. Clayton West have an eleven points lead over third-placed New Mill B and they meet this Tuesday at Cowcliffe. The Clayton West side set their stall out from the first day of the campaign to restore their presence to the Division 1 competition after this, their second season, in Division 2. Their intent is very obvious and they will relish taking another step towards that prime target. New Mill B are a surprise package this year having been promoted from Division 3 last February after a 5-match final winning run enabled them to pinch the Division 3 title with the lowest ever total of points to become a Division Champion - 68 points from 14 matches.

Lindley Lib A are sandwiched between the other two top teams and they are also out to redeem themselves as a real Division 1 team after finishing bottom of that division last season and seeking an immediate return. After a slow start the team has come together to record good wins in their last three matches and this week they take on Marsh United who have lost their last three matches after a bright start to their season.

Meltham A may be on the upward path after a first win of the season last week when beating Milnsbridge A. They will look to build on that in their next two fixtures which are against the two Lowerhouses' teams starting with the A side this week. This week will see the conclusion of the first half of the season for all eight teams and Lowerhouses A need to feature in the top half of that halfway table to renew hopes of a return to Division 1 which has always been their target this year.

The Lowerhouses B team could do themselves and their A team club mates a big favour by beating Milnsbridge A who have an alternating Win-Lose record all season and a win for them this week would see that pattern continuing.