League News
The start of the season for the Huddersfield Veterans 10-Man League is this Tuesday with 61 teams poised ready for action. Time to look at each of the 5 sections and attempt to tease out all the opening day key fixtures starting with Section 1.
Reigning Champions Lockwood Con have a delayed start to the season as their opening day fixture against Lindley Liberal is affected by the construction work currently blocking access to the clockhouse club and green. That match is now to be played on Monday 24 May. Elland C&BC were deprived of the title by just two points last time out and they will be keen to mount another serious challenge to the serial Champions. They start with a very difficult trip to Clayton West who finished 3rd last time out so a real test of the 2021 capabilities of both teams. The two promoted teams have encounters with two established top tier teams as Crosland Moor host Netherton Con and Thongsbridge A travel to Meltham.
The Section 2 opening day clash between Milnsbridge A and Paddock I&C involves teams that were in Sections 1 and 3 respectively in 2019 so it will be interesting to see how both handle matches at this level. Bradley & Colne were also promoted and they entertain Hemplow who will provide a good benchmark guide to the season. The Yo-Yo team from Almondbury BC find themselves back in this section once again and their annual habit of either getting promoted or relegated will be well tested away to New Mill A.
The two teams promoted into Section 3 both have starts away from home with Lowerhouses at Brockholes B and Marsh United B travel to play relegated Meltham B. Skel Windmill are the other relegated side and they open their 2021 season at Outlane.
Seven of the eleven teams in Section 4 are B teams which always makes it difficult to judge the strength of the candidates week-to-week as A team calls inevitably impact on their numbers. Two of those B teams meet at Thongsbridge where promoted Lindley BC are the visitors. Kirkheaton Con B were promoted as Champions in 2019 and open their 2021 account with a visit from Denby Dale. The renamed Huddersfield Recreation Club (formerly Canalside) travel to play Almondbury BC B.
The withdrawal of the Ravensknowle Park B side this week means that there are just 10 teams left in Section 5 and the team that finished third in 2019, Marsh Liberal, are favourites to go up. They open their season with an extra game at Broad Oak B belatedly added to compensate for the late withdrawal of Ravensknowle Park B.
Match of the Day: Clayton West v Elland C&BC (Section 1)
Whatever level you are playing at this season, enjoy it.
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