WITH MOST sides facing a busy weekend of league and cup matches, the fixture gods have chosen to make it even more interesting by pitting the four Aire-Wharfe League Division One sides to have won their first two games against one of their rivals.

Horsforth have shown all the signs they are determined to make it three divisional titles in a row, striding confidently into the top flight. But on Saturday they face Bilton, who will test them with the likes of Vic Craven, fresh from knocks of 74no and 127, and Mustahsan Shah with two five-wicket hauls.

Rawdon underlined their own credentials last week with victory over defending champions Otley and will need that kind of form again if they are to overcome Beckwithshaw, who are many people’s favourites to take the title this year.

Otley should get back on track against Steeton, who have struggled in both their opening fixtures and Ilkley will be favourites to overcome North Leeds, who were skittled out for 61 last week.

Although still without a win, Pool showed considerable improvement against a strong Kirkstall side and will need to maintain that as their tough start to the season sees them entertain Collingham.

Burley have looked out of sorts so far and need to step up a gear at Kirkstall.

Richard Nichols has made an instant impact with bat and ball since joining Guiseley, who are attempting to remain the only Division Two side with a 100 per cent record when they travel to Thackley.

Ben Rhydding and Addingham meet, having suffered second-round defeats after promising starts to the campaign. The match should be a fascinating duel between the bowling of Ted Haggas, who already has two four-wicket hauls for Addingham, and the in-form batting of Red Bolton, Kervan Christmas and Robbie Oldham.

Calverley, who are still looking for their first win, entertain Knaresborough while Skipton look to break their duck against Harden, who made short work of Calverley last week.

There is no doubting the match of the day in Division Three, where impressive early pacemakers Hall Park take on Menston, for whom Tom Lester and Phil Raikes hit centuries last week in their 378-4. They might find the bowling of Mark McEneaney a little more challenging.

Olicanian travel to New Rover for whom Matthew Dinsdale smashed a quick-fire double century last week and Tong Park Esholt have a tricky match against Leeds Modernians who, like Hall Park and New Rover, have won both their early matches.

Silsden entertain Green Lane, while Bolton Villas will relish the prospects of taking on Upper Wharfedale while they are still reeling from the Menston onslaught.

Sunday’s Waddilove Cup first round has thrown up a repeat of last season’s semi-final with Otley travelling to holders Bilton.

It is one of two all top-flight matches, the other seeing last season’s two promoted clubs Pool and Horsforth clashing.

The best chance of giant killing is perhaps Division Three leaders Hall Park tackling North Leeds from Division One, or maybe Ben Rhydding’s visit to struggling Steeton.

Other ties: Adel v Harden, Beckwithshaw v Alwoodley, Calverley v Burley, Green Lane v Skipton, Ilkley v Guiseley, Illingworth v Rawdon, Kirkstall v Follifoot, Knaresborough v Tong Park Esholt, Leeds Modernians v Collingham, Menston v Silsden, Olicanian v Addingham, Thackley v New Rover.