Top Aire-Wharfe sides need to be on mettle (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Top Aire-Wharfe sides need to be on mettle

10:32pm Thursday 19th August 2010 in

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There are four matches to go and all to play for in all three divisions of the Aire-Wharfe League, with the front-runners in the top flight facing tricky matches on Saturday.

Burley are seven points clear and face Collingham, who took a couple of points off them earlier in the season and who had an outside chance of the title until a drop in form in July.

Burley will need to be aware of the bowling of Toby Jacklin and Steve Booth, while Brian Leigh and overseas player Dalton Polius are always capable of scoring runs.

Meanwhile, second-placed Beckwithshaw take on Thackley, who took a point off them in June and who had lost only one of eight starts before going down to Green Lane last week.

Lane have worked their way back to third but the 19 points difference seems too much to overhaul, even though they should win against Pool.

Rawdon travel to Adel, knowing a win over one of the bottom two will almost certainly ensure their safety, while Guiseley should inflict another defeat on North Leeds, whose fate is as good as sealed.

Having moved up to fourth, Otley should reinforce their position with victory over Kirkstall.

Division Two leaders Bilton and Follifoot take on bottom two Illingworth and Silsden, and anything the strugglers can pick up will be a bonus.

The two sides still in the promotion hunt, Harden and Olicanian, face much tougher tasks at Upper Wharfedale and Steeton.

Having dragged themselves out of the bottom two, Calverley might fancy their chances of taking points off Knaresborough but will be aware that their opponents upset Bilton last week.

An intriguing clash pits Tong Park Esholt against Bolton Villas, both sides capable of big performances and both occasionally liable to an off day.

Menston’s challenge for a Division Three promotion place takes them to Addingham, and victory could well see them move even closer to the top because the sides above them face difficult matches.

Ilkley entertain Woodhouse, who have won seven of their last ten fixtures, while Ben Rhydding travel to New Rover, a side capable of big scores.

With Skipton expected to beat rock-bottom Alwoodley, Hall Park will need to overcome Colton if they are to avoid being cut off.