With Thackley and Steeton striding away at the top of Divisions One and Two, the closely-bunched chasing packs need to stamp their authority on the rest if they are to mount a title challenge.

As the season reaches the one-third mark, second-placed Harden are nine points behind Division Two leaders Steeton but have five clubs within a win of overhauling them, including Saturday’s opponents Upper Wharfedale.

With skipper Richard Wear, Aussie Jordan Mackenzie and former Keighley and Bradford & Bingley player Mark Beckett in consistent form with the bat, Harden always look likely to score runs and have yet to be bowled out.

But apart from early brilliant returns from Phil Leng, they have not matched batting with bowling and struggled to turn draws into wins.

Ben Rhydding’s impressive early form has slipped a little but they should be too strong for Menston in the clash of last season’s promoted sides, while Olicanian will do well to take anything from Steeton, who have only dropped two points in six games.

Calverley, still looking for a first league win, will be boosted by their cup giant-killing over Kirkstall as they travel to Bolton Villas, both sides trying to edge away from the bottom of the table, where Tong Park Esholt need to turn things around at Pool.

In Division One, Otley lead the group of teams trying to haul back Thackley and, after three straight wins, they will be confident ahead of their match at inconsistent Burley.

Thackley face a tricky match at Green Lane, where Yasser Ali has hit a rich vein of form. An improved display in the league last Saturday and a cup win over Thackley the following day might mark a boost in Rawdon’s form as they face fellow strugglers Guiseley.

There’s no doubt that the match with most at stake in Division Three is at Brownberrie Lane where Horsforth and Hall Park battle for points and local bragging rights.

Ilkley are gradually finding their form and should be too good for New Rover, while Silsden are likely to struggle at promotion-chasing Illingworth. Addingham entertain Skipton, both sides badly needing points.