It’s tight at top for title rivals

2:59pm Thursday 12th June 2008

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Guiseley can go clear at the top of DIVISION ONE for the first time since early May if they pick up their expected Aire-Wharfe League win at bottom club Collingham on Saturday.

Three wins in a row have put Dave Pennett's side level on 36 points with Beckwithshaw but their rivals face a much tougher task at fast-improving Kirkstall Educational and may have to be satisfied with a draw.

The top half of the table is still very tight, ten points separating first from sixth, so Rawdon's visit to North Leeds and Green Lane's trip to Adel are must-win matches if they want to stay among the front-runners.

Lane have re-emerged as possible contenders with 11 points out of 12 since their shock defeat by Pool, while Rawdon have been less convincing but managed to hang on to third place.

Otley have the chance to climb into the top half against a Bilton side who have not won since the opening two weeks of the campaign.

At the other end of the table, Burley can put 12 points between them and the relegation spots if they overcome second-bottom Pool.

One point from their last two matches has seen Steeton slip to fourth in DIVISION TWO but they are still only two points behind second-placed Follifoot.

They should pick up at least a winning draw at Calverley, although the home side will have been lifted by their Waddilove Cup win over Division One outfit Pool last Sunday.

With Follifoot tackling a useful Colton side, Silsden could move up to second if they clinch a third successive win.

With Zeeshan Qasim and Yasser Ali in consistent form, they will certainly start favourites against New Rover, who are languishing at the bottom of the table.

Both Steeton and Silsden will be hoping Tong Park can at least take some points off leaders Knaresborough, who have not lost since week three and have already opened a six-point gap.

Olicanian can stretch further away from the basement at Harden, who are struggling for form and are already eight points adrift of third-bottom Upper Wharfedale.

The Dalesmen will hope to find their prolific batting form again after last week's slump against Knaresborough - but they will have to beware Bardsey's attack of Mitch Brown and Jonty Smith, who skittled out Steeton last week.

Thackley look the most likely side to challenge runaway DIVISION THREE leaders Illingworth and Leon Harber's side will expect to pick up a fifth successive win when they host Ilkley, who have won only once this season.

Skipton still entertain hopes of a top-two spot but they face a tricky match at home to Bolton Villas, for whom victory would mean they have matched their total of five wins achieved last season.

Hall Park are the latest side to try and dent Illingworth's 100 per cent record, while neighbours Horsforth will try to get back to winning ways at struggling Alwoodley.

Ben Rhydding travel to Woodhouse while Addingham chase that elusive first victory at Menston, who are on a three-match winning streak.

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