Competition remains so tight this season that less than one victory separates second from seventh in Division One of the Aire-Wharfe League, with no one breaking from the pack in pursuit of leaders Thackley.

Otley worked their way up to second earlier in the season but picked up only two points from their next two games.

Yet still they know that victory at second-placed Green Lane on Saturday will see them leap above their rivals.

Lane’s three-match winning streak, which included a first defeat for Thackley, ended last week when they could only pick up two points in a tight finish against Kirkstall but with Yasser Ali in formidable form, they will always present opponents with a challenge.

Otley have several batsmen who have been among the runs recently, including Nick Britton, Stewart Smith and Ricky Halloran, but only Andrew Rhodes has been consistent with the ball and they need more support for him if they are to pick up all six points.

Even Thackley have stuttered a little recently – without a win in three games – but they remain seven points clear at the top and should prove too strong for Rawdon, who are languishing at the bottom of the table.

Burley should edge further away from the danger zone against struggling Collingham but Guiseley face a tougher task against Kirkstall, who are always likely to score a lot of runs.

Division Two leaders Steeton must find an answer to the bowling of evergreen Mike Baxendall when they take on third-placed Knaresborough, while second-placed Ben Rhydding will be aware that Calverley found their batting form last week in crushing Upper Wharfedale.

Menston and Tong Park Esholt, both without a win, are in danger of being cast adrift at the bottom of the table – they are already seven points behind Calverley and a further seven from Bolton Villas – but face difficult challenges against Harden and Upper Wharfedale respectively.

Bolton Villas could make something of a leap up the table if they overcome North Leeds, while Olicanian need to shake off the disappointment of their first defeat when they travel to Pool.

Division Three promotion hopefuls Ilkley took something of a hammering last week by Woodhouse and need to regroup against Addingham, while second-from- bottom Silsden will hope that was just a peak in Woodhouse’s form.

Skipton need to take something from their visit to Horsforth to avoid the danger of dropping back into the bottom two, while Hall Park will need to be at their best to take any points at leaders Bardsey.

Sunday sees the next stage of the Waddilove Cup, with Rawdon getting the short straw in the only all-Division One tie at Follifoot.

The most attractive match sees Steeton entertain Otley in a clash where the team from the lower division might just pull off a surprise win but Green Lane at Skipton and Burley against Hall Park are likely to see the senior team come out on top.

Calverley have a great chance to go through against fellow Division Two outfit North Leeds, while Addingham should win the all-Division Three tie with bottom club Alwoodley.