Harden and Silsden must be on form (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Harden and Silsden must be on form

2:06pm Thursday 14th June 2007 in Sport By Sports Desk

Having moved to within one point of Division Two leaders Guiseley, Harden and Silsden face tough matches to maintain their challenge on Saturday.

With Australian Matthew King quickly settling into good batting form, Harden have won all but two of their completed matches this season.

Their only blips came in an opening-day defeat by Silsden and a losing draw at Tong Park.

Now they face a Knaresborough side which, until last weekend's surprise losing draw at Upper Wharfedale, had eased their way into second in the table.

Silsden's progress has been helped by the consistent bowling of Zeeshan Qasim and Yasar Ali, but, having already lost to Guiseley and Harden, Hugh Sugden's side will need to be on top form when they entertain Tong Park.

Park have proved themselves a difficult side to beat. Only Rawdon have taken all six points off them, and they are currently in fourth place, just a point behind Silsden.

Leaders Guiseley have won only one of their last five starts but will be confident of changing that at home to a Bardsey team that has picked up just two points from the last five games.

Rawdon need to get their challenge back on track and should be too strong for bottom club Calverley, although Steve Alred's team have been showing form with the bat in recent weeks.

Horsforth entertain a New Rover side that are capable of matching anyone on their day, as they showed last week against Guiseley, and Upper Wharfedale take on Hall Park, both clubs being in need of the points.

Having seen their challenge dented by Division One leaders Beckwithshaw last week, Otley face another stiff test when they travel to second-placed Collingham.

Steeton can testify to the top two sides' ability, having lost to them in the last two weeks and gone to the bottom of the table.

They entertain fellow strugglers Green Lane, who are still to bowl out an opponent.

Burley are at championship-hopefuls North Leeds and need to bounce back after being skittled for 59 by Pool last week.

Having taken over top spot in Division Three by beating Colton, Menston will be confident going to Illingworth, who struggle against the top teams.

Third-placed Olicanian should continue their challenge against a Ben Rhydding side that have only one win to their name - against rock-bottom Alwoodley.

Addingham are in fourth place but might be tested in their derby against Ilkley, who have picked up three wins in their last four matches and in Richard Harrison have a potentially match-winning bowler.

Bolton Villas need to find some form and take points off Thackley if they are not to find themselves cut adrift in the bottom three.