FOR much of the season, Burley have played like a side who are going to push Beckwithshaw all the way for the Aire-Wharfe League Division One title while out-of-sorts Horsforth have stumbled around the basement.

But recent form suggests that as the season enters its final third, Horsforth will start as favourites when the sides meet at Burley on Saturday.

Last week’s comfortable win over Guiseley, with Corey Barsby, Oliver Hardaker and Jack Rich in good form, was Horsforth’s third in the last four starts, with only leaders Beckwithshaw coming out on top.

Burley, in contrast, have managed just one win - over relegation- threatened Collingham - in that same period and are now 33 points adrift of the leaders.

Prolific batting marked their earlier form – they have eight more batting bonus points than even Beckwithshaw – but that seems to have deserted them at the moment.

They need to re-find their best form or they could be overtaken by Otley, who are likely to make short work of Collingham on Saturday.

Horsforth’s run has seen them join a mid-table logjam that separates fourth-placed Pool from Bilton in ninth by only nine points.

Pool should have little problem against rock-bottom Colton, while Rawdon will do well to take much from the leaders.

Either side of Rawdon in the table are Guiseley and Ilkley, who battle it out, both seeking to recover after a defeat.

Having scrapped their way into Division Two promotion contention with three straight wins, Tong Park Esholt stumbled last week, bowled out for 60 by Hall Park, and if they are to stand a realistic chance of getting into the top two, they must win at second-placed Ben Rhydding.

But to do that they will have to tame Kiwi Shane Wineti, who hit 114 against Addingham last week – his fourth century of the season – and then took 6-57 to stop a determined fightback.

Addingham will have to show that same resolve at Steeton because they are still only ten points above Skipton, who currently fill the second relegation spot and have been boosted by a massive win over Kirkstall.

That will fill them with confidence against a Calverley side whose form has been inconsistent.

Hall Park should stretch their run to five wins in six starts when they entertain Thackley, who have struggled all season.

The teams sitting out this week’s Division Three fixtures are top two Saltaire and Olicanian, giving the chasing pack the chance to put some pressure on them.

Full points would put Harden within two of Olicanian, but they will be wary of a trip to New Rover, who have started to show better form.

Green Lane and Menston have more ground to make up but have winnable home matches against Bolton Villas and St Chads Broomfield, so could set up a thrilling run-in to the season.