Ben Rhydding finding out the hard way (From Wharfedale Observer)

Ben Rhydding finding out the hard way

6:00pm Thursday 10th May 2012 in Aire-Wharfe League By Richard Coomber

Ben Rhydding have faced a fierce baptism to Aire-Wharfe League Division One, and things won’t get much easier on Saturday at Guiseley.

Having enjoyed two successive promotions, Ben Rhydding took two points off Otley but found title favourites Beckwithshaw in ruthless form.

Now they must test themselves against Dave Pennett’s side, who are capable of mounting their own challenge at the top, as they showed in holding off defending champions Thackley last weekend.

John Akrigg’s century helped the other promoted side, Steeton, follow up a win over Adel with five points off Follifoot to put them second in the table but they face possibly their toughest test so far at Otley.

The home side have made an impressive start to the season, and even last week’s defeat by Kirkstall was very tight.

Thackley have been involved in two thrilling finishes, in each case having to settle for two points, but they should be too strong for Adel, who are already looking like a side facing a difficult summer.

Defeat by Beckwithshaw and victory over Adel is not much of a pointer to Burley’s form this year but things should become clearer after they show what they can do at Follifoot.

Rawdon have made a good start to their campaign to spend only one season in Division Two.

With new boys Tony Gilks and Ryan Gladwin settling quickly into the runs, they should be too strong for Bardsey but will have to beware Umer Yaqoob, who already has two five-wicket hauls to his credit.

Phil Leng and James Seymour are two more bowlers in good form and have helped Harden bowl out all three of their opponents, including Bardsey for 44.

They travel to Knaresborough, who are heavily dependent on overseas all-rounder Jack Paynter.

Green Lane have started well but will find Pool a tougher proposition than their first two opponents, while Bolton Villas travel to North Leeds hoping to build on their victory over Ilkley.

Injury-hit Calverley could shake off the tag of being the only side in the league without a point at struggling Upper Wharfedale, while newly-promoted Ilkley entertain Olicanian, both sides yet to get a toe-hold on the season.

Division Three has been worst hit by weather interference, and no fewer than eight teams are sandwiched on seven points between the top two and the bottom two.

By coincidence, Skipton, who are in the latter category, face Colton, who are five points clear at the top, while second-placed Addingham entertain bottom side Alwoodley.

Having beaten Hall Park last week, Silsden will be hoping for a repeat performance at Park’s neighbours Horsforth.

Boosted by a first league win and a shock Waddilove Cup giant-killing over Bilton, Tong Park Esholt will start as favourites at New Rover, while Hall Park against Menston could provide one of the tightest matches of the day.