It’s been 16 years since Steeton lifted their only Aire-Wharfe League title but last week’s win over Pool sent them up to second in Division One behind Beckwithshaw and starting to look like realistic contenders.

More than anyone, the players will know how far there is to go – they led the way going into the second half of last season but then fell away to fourth place.

But with a strong batting line-up and bowlers like Ross Suri and James Emmott capable of swinging matches their way, Steeton look set to mount a challenge.

After knocking Alwoodley out of the Waddilove Cup last Sunday, they will be looking for five wins in a row when they travel to Harden on Saturday.

On paper it looks like a nailed-on six points.

The newly-promoted home side have managed only four points so far but Sri Lankan-born Aussie Roshan Livera proved he is adapting to conditions with two half-centuries last weekend, and with Richard Wear and Ben Burkill showing signs of good form, they may prove much tougher than expected.

With the season passing the quarter-mark this week, the league table starts to settle into a pattern.

Front-runners can stretch away, while mid-table sides get a feel of whether they are going to be top half or fighting against being dragged into the dogfight at the bottom.

Ben Rhydding have made a solid start to the season, with only one defeat, but having last week’s match rained off means that if other results go against them, defeat at Burley on Saturday could see them drop into the bottom three.

They know they are in for a solid test because Burley have played some excellent cricket to get to third in the table, and in Neil Davies have a bowler looking for a four-wicket haul for the fifth match in a row.

Stewart Smith’s early-season batting form could hold the key as Otley travel to Pool, both sides being on 16 points just behind the leading trio, while Guiseley need to re-find their initial form when they entertain Kirkstall.

There are heavyweight clashes at the top of Division Two, with front-runners Knaresborough and Adel slugging it out, while just behind them fourth-placed Rawdon play host to third-placed North Leeds.

Rawdon have already lost to the top two so need to dominate this one to re-inforce their belief they can mount a promotion challenge.

At the other end of the table, Calverley and Bolton Villas are in desperate need of points when they take on Thackley and Ilkley respectively, while Tong Park Esholt also need to take something from Green Lane to avoid being among the clubs being cut adrift.

The match of the day in Division Three is the bragging-rights clash between Horsforth and Hall Park, with the home side slight favourites after winning a hectic run race against New Rover to go into third place.

Leaders Skipton travel to improving Upper Wharfedale, while second-placed Addingham are likely to prove too strong for struggling Olicanian.

Menston can lift themselves away from the bottom three against Alwoodley, while Silsden will have to cope with the threat of brothers Luke and Vivian Brooksby if they are to take anything against Illingworth.