Two sides with similar recent histories but very different starts to the season clash on Saturday when Aire-Wharfe League Division Two front-runners Ben Rhydding take on Bolton Villas, who have yet to pick up a point.

Both sides were part of the new league intake in 2000 with Villas making slightly faster progress, winning promotion from Division Three two years ago.

After an initial victory last season, they struggled for some time before steadying the ship and finishing eighth on the back of some good bowling, especially from Sam Lawrence, who ended with 48 wickets at an average of just over 18.

Lawrence’s 6-82 spell on the opening day of the current campaign couldn’t prevent defeat at Pool, and since then Villas have also gone down to Steeton and Upper Wharfedale.

In contrast, Ben Rhydding, who were promoted last season, have hit the ground running with Jason Wright and Charlie Swallow finding good early form with the bat as their team have won three out of three.

Harden are only a point behind Ben Rhydding and should be able to continue their good start against Knaresborough, while third-placed Steeton and in-form Aussie Shane McNamara travel to Upper Wharfedale.

Calverley entertain Olicanian, while struggling Tong Park Esholt will look for an improvement against North Leeds.

Division One leaders Thackley have already seen off the challenge of Otley, Bilton and Collingham, and now face another tough match with the visit of Beckwithshaw.

Otley and Green Lane find themselves in the wrong half of the table and will seek to improve against Bilton and Follifoot respectively, while defending champions Burley, who have only four points to show for their early efforts, are at Rawdon, who have yet to pick up a point.

Ilkley’s challenge in Division Three has yet to live up to pre-season expectations and they face a tough trip to front-runners Illingworth.

Skipton and Horsforth also have difficult-looking matches against early pacesetters when they travel to Colton and Bardsey.

Silsden urgently need a first win if they are to mount a challenge for an instant return to Division Two but take on an Addingham side that, while unable to win many games, look capable of grinding out draws.

Struggling Hall Park entertain New Rover, who have started to hit good form.

It is the preliminary round of the Waddilove Cup on Sunday, with Tong Park Esholt entertaining Ben Rhydding, Steeton travelling to Upper Wharfedale and Horsforth at North Leeds.