Guiseley must beware relegation factor

9:39am Thursday 4th September 2008

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With two matches to go, Guiseley are arguably favourites to take the Aire-Wharfe League championship just a year after winning promotion from Division Two.

It has been a superb season for Dave Pennett’s side, who have only spent two weeks out of the top two all summer.

On paper, they have the easiest run-in but last week’s shock defeat by relegation-threatened Collingham has raised some doubts.

Mathematically, four teams Kirkstall (on 71 points), Guiseley (68), North Leeds (66) and Adel (64) are still in with a chance.

Guiseley have to play the two teams at the bottom of the table, starting at Pool on Saturday and at home to Bilton the following week.

These are matches they would normally expect to win comfortably but, as they found against Collingham, the relegation factor can make opponents play above themselves.

Their rivals, on the other hand, are against sides with only pride to play for.

Outsiders Adel face Rawdon and Otley, and Kirkstall take on Green Lane and Rawdon, while the form team North Leeds, who have won their last four starts, tackle Otley and Burley.

Having clawed their way to safety with two wins in their last three games, Burley can complete a hat-trick against fellow strugglers when they meet Bilton on Saturday.

In Division Two, Steeton are still waiting to hear if an inquiry into a problem at Knaresborough will mean the leaders are docked points but know they must win at Colton to be ready to take advantage.

Already promoted, Silsden still have a chance of overtaking the leaders anyway but face a tough trip to Harden, who have played themselves out of trouble in the second half of the season.

At the other end of the table, Olicanian have the gigantic task of beating Knaresborough, who have only lost twice all season, to stand any chance of staying up.

Their task is even more difficult as their nearest rivals Bardsey are up against a Tong Park team that has struggled in recent weeks.

The mid-table clash between Calverley and Upper Wharfedale could be one of the most entertaining of the day with both sides capable of building big innings.

In Division Three, bottom club Addingham, who have been propping the rest up since May 14, can take a step towards avoiding the wooden spoon when they entertain Alwoodley, the side just three points above them.

Thackley will hope to celebrate promotion with a victory over Hall Park that would set them up with the chance of taking the title when they meet leaders Illingworth in the final match of the season.

Ilkley will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to six matches at Menston, while Ben Rhydding could do Thackley a favour if they could take anything from their trip to Illingworth.

Skipton entertain Horsforth while, just as in Division Two, the most entertaining cricket might be played at Woodhouse, where Bolton Villas will look to cement their superb third place with a victory over the side who are level with them on points.