AS IS traditional in the Aire-Wharfe League, the fixtures for the second half of the season are the return matches of the same week in the first half, and on Saturday Burley will be looking for a repeat of their emphatic opening-day win over defending champions Otley.

Burley are just four points behind unbeaten leaders Beckwithshaw, and a double over third-placed Otley would almost ensure the championship will be a two-horse race.

In the opening game, a 6-36 spell from Nick Brook helped dismiss Otley for 143, with Nathan Goldthorp contributing 60.

Brook (80no) and Daniel Revis (59) then brushed that aside with only one wicket lost.

It set a pattern for many of Burley’s matches.

Brook is the top scorer in the Division with 446 runs and in the top five bowlers with 26 victims.

Revis and Jason Wright are also among the top five batsmen, and with players like Ed Brown, Nicky Bulcock and Richard Brook always likely to make big scores, Burley are a formidable opponent for any side.

Otley recovered from that early setback and, without ever hitting the heights of last season, have worked their way into contention.

They will be determined to notch the win that would reduce the 31-point gap between them and Burley and put them right back in the contest.

Guiseley are all too aware of Otley’s strengths, having been skittled out by them for just 87 last week, but they should have a much more comfortable time against North Leeds, one of three sides currently in the scrap to avoid relegation.

Ilkley entertain Horsforth, two sides who have edged away from that tussle, while Pool seek to end a three-match losing streak but won’t find it easy at Rawdon, who are looking for a third successive win.

Ben Rhydding will start as hot favourites in their Division Two clash against Skipton, who are in danger of being cast adrift in the bottom two with Thackley.

Currently third, Ben Rhydding will be hoping Calverley find a way to halt the five-match winning run of Follifoot, and Steeton can at least put a dent in the progress of leaders Adel.

Victory over Skipton last week lifted Hall Park 18 points clear of their opponents but they face a tougher task on Saturday against Kirkstall.

Addingham will fancy their chances against a Leeds Modernians side that have faltered recently, while Thackley entertain Tong Park Esholt desperate for a win to give them some hope of making up the 43-point gap to safety.

Having lost their last two matches, Harden won’t be relishing a trip to Olicanian, who regained pole position in Division Three last week thanks to a century from Tom Smallwood.

Saltaire have slipped back to third and need to repeat their opening-day win over Menston to keep up their challenge but will recall that was only by a single wicket in a close-fought game dominated by bowlers.

Green Lane entertain Alwoodley looking to avenge a 104-run defeat last time they met.