THE most mouth-watering fixtures in the Aire-Wharfe League tomorrow are in Division Three, where four of the top five – only separated by 21 points – go head to head.
Since losing their opener against Addingham, joint-leaders Olicanian have won all six of their remaining completed matches – consistency epitomised by Harry Smallwood, who is not only their top run-scorer but weighs in with useful wickets.
They travel to fifth-placed Old Modernians, who are an unknown package not only because this is their first season in the league but also because their results have been unpredictable.
Yet Olicanian will know that the new boys are certainly capable of being in the promotion mix at the end of the season.
Addingham bounced back from a shock defeat by Alwoodley to beat Old Mods last week and go level on points with Olicanian.
They travel to New Rover, who were leading the way until crashing to defeat against Hall Park last weekend.
With prolific batsmen like Will Atkins, Ricky Palacio, Michael Richmond and Matthew Dinsdale on display on a ground known for its high scores, this could be a run feast.
Meanwhile, in fourth place – only seven points off the lead – Bolton Villas have a much more comfortable-looking fixture at Alwoodley.
Menston and Calverley should be able to put a bit more light between them and the sides at the bottom at Bardsey and Upper Wharfedale respectively, while Hall Park will expect to stretch their winning run to four matches at rock-bottom Silsden.
With their two closest rivals, Beckwithshaw and Kirkstall, slugging it out tomorrow, Otley have the opportunity to go clear at the top of Division One.
James Davies' side travel to Follifoot, who are still reeling from having all their early points stripped from them for failing to properly register their overseas player.
Davies, who already has 400 runs to his name, leads a team in top form, so Otley would have expected to win this match anyway – and their cause is helped by the absence of Follifoot's main strike bowler Umer Yaqoob with a shoulder injury.
Guiseley need to build on last week's first win of the season when they travel to North Leeds, the side just above them in the table but with a 23-point advantage.
Ilkley, now the only top-flight side without a win, are a further seven points back and they have a tougher match against Burley, who have stopped their own slide down the table with two convincing wins in which all-rounder Jason Wright has starred.
Steeton travel to Bilton, the only side that might be able to mount a challenge to the top three, while Bilton's latest victims Rawdon travel to Collingham, where Toby Jacklin remains the biggest threat.
Green Lane's points deduction leaves them a massive task at the foot of Division Two and they need to regain their early-season confidence, starting with their visit to Knaresborough, if they are to climb out of trouble.
Ben Rhydding, 25 points above them, are their first target and Lane's cause is likely to be helped when Ben Rhydding travel to leaders Colton.
After three defeats in a row, Tong Park Esholt need to turn things around if they are not to be in the relegation dogfight – but they have a formidable challenge at second-placed Horsforth.
Thackley are also in the danger zone but have been improving in recent weeks and will fancy their chances at Skipton, who have lost two of their last three.
With four straight wins and a moral victory when last week's game against Thackley was stopped by rain, Pool are only ten points behind the leaders and will be full of confidence but will know not to underestimate Harden.
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