ONLY three games survived the rain on a virtual wash-out weekend - leaving a mounting backlog of evening fixtures.

The postponed games could also have an impact on the outcome of league titles because some teams will be unable to field full strength teams for midweek games, and reserve sides may be able to strengthen with first team players.

Further problems are expected as the cricket season draws near with clubs losing both players, and in some cases their grounds, to the summer game. "We have always managed in the past and this season will be no exception," said league secretary Peter Marsden.

So far a total of 388 matches have been played with 141 postponed. A total of 104 games have had to go ahead without an official referee.

This weekend the Premier Division leaders visit Carleton who are on form at the moment and will be determined to make life difficult for the title chasers. Embsay are hosts to second placed Skipton LMS, a pairing that has already produced some exciting matches this season, and both clubs have everything to play for.

A bottom end of the table battle between Intake and Bronte Wanderers is a match that both need to win. Skipton Bulldogs are also deep in relegation trouble and will not fancy their visit to Grindleton.

Division One leaders Lothersdale Athletic are involved in a Devonshire Carpets League Cup match at home to Colne Shepherd and Bradley will be hoping to close the gap with victory in their home fixture.

Division Two sees Barrowford United hosting a visit from Cross Hills Reserves and Chatburn will visit Gargrave in what should be a cracking game. Gargrave have to win they are to stay in the promotion race while wins for Barrowford and Chatburn would almost guarantee first division football next season.

Division Three leaders Cononley Reserves have a home match against Earby who have a habit of upsetting the leading teams. Bradley Reserves visit Cowling and know they must win.

Last weekend Bronte Wanderers pulled off a 6-2 victory over Waddington despite appalling conditions and a heavy pitch.

The Ribble Valley club took an early lead and soon followed up with a second before Bronte got into their stride. Once they clicked into gear the Keighley side played with real passion and had secured a 3-2 lead by the break thanks to goals from Simon Thompson, Daniel Blakesley and Sarpral Culzar.

The second half was all one-way traffic with further goals from Thompson, Blakesley and Niall Walls secured the three points Bronte desperately needed.

Silsden Athletic battled hard against Intake Reserves despite having only eight men. They contained the Colne club to just three first half goals and managed to pull one back after the break. Intake regained their three goal lead, but Silsden gallantly scored again to keep a glimmer of hope alive at 4-2.

Philip Chester nudged home a fifth goal for Intake to end any hopes of a Silsden comeback, but the Silsden side came away with great credit after performing well in difficult conditions

Cup Semi-Final draw

Challenge Cup: Gargrave v Skipton LMS; Grindleton or Keighley Lifts v Grassington Utd or Skipton Bulldogs.

Premier Cup: Bronte Wanderers v Grassington Utd; Skipton Bulldogs v Skipton LMS

Division One: Waddington v Bradley; Cowling /Embassy v Lothersdale or Colne Shepherds.

Division Two: Gargrave v Barrowford Utd; Intake Res v Cross Hills Res.

Division Three: Pendle Athletic or Gargrave v Waddington Res; Bradley Res or Grassington Res v Cononley Res.