THE start of the second half of the Aire-Wharfe League means that the opening fixtures are reversed – and in all but one of the Division One matches, it would be no surprise if the results were repeated.

The exception is Rawdon's visit to Steeton, where the chances of a second tie are on a par with the proverbial two bolts of lightning in the same place – but it could still be close.

Back in April, Steeton looked odds-on to win when they were 164-4 chasing Rawdon's 208-9. Then Andrew Doidge turned it round with a spell that saw him end on 6-34 and Steeton's last pair of James Freebury and Joe Stead needed 27 off the last 11 balls but managed just 26.

Doidge could again be the danger, having picked up ten wickets in his last two matches, and Rawdon will start as slight favourites, having beaten Burley last week while Steeton have struggled of late, winning only one of their last five.

As the only top-flight side without a win, Ilkley need to quickly find some form if they are to avoid the drop.

They entertain Follifoot, who are 30 points worse off after a massive points deduction but are starting to close the gap.

Just above this pair are Guiseley, who are unlikely to trouble second-placed Beckwithshaw but will hope to do better than in the opening game when they failed to pick up a bonus point.

Last week's win over Beckwithshaw put Otley 15 points clear at the top as they prepare to host fourth-placed Bilton, a side capable of providing a real test if Vic Craven and Michael Donnelly are in form.

Burley travel to North Leeds hoping to get back on the winning trail after last week's defeat by Rawdon.

Division Two leaders Horsforth put down an early marker of their determination to go from the third to first tier in two seasons when they thrashed Thackley on the opening day, Gareth Lee marking his move from Menston with a fine 80 not out. It will be no surprise if Horsforth win just as comfortably tomorrow.

The two teams either side of Thackley in the basement go head to head.

Green Lane, who are bottom courtesy of a points deduction, face Ben Rhydding, who climbed out of the bottom two last week with a win over Harden.

Lane will start as favourites but much will depend on how much they believe they can wipe out the 39 points that stand between them and safety.

Tong Park Esholt eased their relegation worries a little by beating Knaresborough last week but have a difficult match against second-placed Colton, who dismissed them for just 78 earlier in the season.

Harden are far from safe and face a tough trip to third-placed Skipton, who need to keep winning and hope the top two start to slip up – as do Pool, who entertain Adel.

If Skipton and Pool need encouragement, such slides can happen. They should look at Division Three, where several of the promotion contenders have faltered recently, allowing New Rover to open up an 18-point lead.

The next six clubs are covered by just 11 points, starting with Bolton Villas, who tackle the pace-setters tomorrow.

Nearly 550 runs were scored when they met on the opening day, Villas coming up just short in their run chase, but with Sam Lawrence in good bowling form, they might be able to halt Rover's prolific run.

Olicanian and Addingham have lost both their matches since filling the top two slots and will slug it out tomorrow, while Menston have the task of stopping new boys Old Modernians, who are looking more and more like promotion contenders.

Lurking just behind are Hall Park, who, with Steve Phillips in a rich vein of form, will be looking for a sixth straight win when they take on Upper Wharfedale.

Any kind of win would suit struggling Silsden, who might have their best chance yet of breaking their duck against Bardsey, who have shown themselves to be vulnerable in recent weeks

Alwoodley have also been shaky and should not provide too much of a test for Calverley.