Veterans League
Preview of the 6-Man League fixtures scheduled for Monday 18 September
Just two more rounds of fixtures in the Veterans 6-Man League and with the three title destinations already decided there is the matter of a few promotion and relegation issues to sort out. In Division 1 any two of the four teams at the bottom could still be relegated.
Elland C&BC will need some outside assistance to survive their first season in the 6-Man League and I still don't understand why they started their life in the top division. Points from their two remaining fixtures will be at a premium as they have to face 2nd in the table Skel Windmill 'A' who need a big win in their final match to push their claim for the runners-up slot. Then on the final day they have to go to meet one of the bottom four teams at Lockwood Con. In fact Lockwood Con have to meet two of the three teams below them in the table as they also play Longwood this week.
A win for Longwood on Monday against Lockwood Con could put them out of reach of any danger as Crosland Moor look to have the hardest run-in to the season with matches against top four opponents including Marsh United 'A' who are already Champions.
It's 2 from 3 at the foot of the Division 2 table as Denby Dale, Skle Windmill 'B' and Linthwaite Hall are in the frame and all three have two matches left to play. Denby Dale have two home matches as their fixture away at Skel Windmill 'B' has been switched and then on the final day they host mid-table Holmfirth 'A'. However Linthwaite Hall could be out of sight by then condemning the Dale to relegation in their first season in the League, another example of poor decision making by asking a team to punch above their weight in their first season in the League.
The matter of the 2nd promotion place has also still to be resolved with Lindley Lib 'A' in poll position and a home match against Golcar Lib this week which could result in pulling them further away from their two rivals for that position. That situation coming about after Lindley Lib 'A' beat their 'B' side 5-2 last Friday opening up a 6-points lead. The two main rivals both have away matches this week which could end their interest in taking the promotion race into the final day of the season. Paddock I&C and Lindley Lib 'B' are the two teams involved with Paddock going to play Champions, Slaithwaite and the Lindley Lib 'B' side at Almondbury Lib.
Marsh Lib need 3-points from their last two matches to clinch the second promotion place in Division 3 but may be pushed to get them all this Monday when they go to play 4th placed Hemplow. They do however, have the safety net of a final day home fixture against bottom of the table Shepley 'B'. That should be sufficient to see off the challenge of Greenhead Park who will do well to come back from Thongsbridge 'B' this Monday still in contention.
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