This week marks our fifth fixture, and it promises to be an exciting one with a couple of massive games. The league leaders are away for the second consecutive week, leaving plenty of decent match-ups for the other teams to capitalise on. What I’m particularly enjoying is seeing the improvement in some teams and the new teams doing well. And with Gorton ‘B’, the Buxton, the Waggon and the Strawberry Gardens all sandwiched between the Stduio and Gorton in the top seven it looks as though this could be one of the most wide-open leagues in years.
Clayton Con Club v Waggon & Horses
Before the start of the season, I would have said there wasn’t a clear favourite in this match; now, I am saying it is even less clear. Both Clayton and the Waggon had massive wins last week in different ways. Clayton managed to pinch all three points against one of the favourites for the league, and the Waggon had a perfect score last week. This one is going to be interesting, as whichever team wins will feel the momentum going forward.
Gorton Con Club ‘B’ v Steelworks Tavern
The Gorton ‘B’ have had a great start to the season so far, they didn’t manage to get the win last week but did at least get a point. They are in a much better place this season than this time last year and have a game in hand above the top two. The Steelworks suffered a loss last week at home, so they will be motivated to go out and out that right. They are a team that is full of talent and are now used to doing well in the league and will want that to continue.
Prince of Wales ‘B’ v The Holdsworth
Prince ‘B’ won last week at a vital stage as they were getting frustrated their good performances were not getting the results they felt they deserved. The Holdsworth are having a difficult start to the season as many new teams do. I am sure that the old friends now friendly rivals will relish the idea of taking the three points at the other’s expense.
Strawberry Duck v Prince of Wales
The Duck had made a decent start but suffered their first big loss last week at the hands of the Waggon. This, though, should not deter them; I hope they don’t let their heads drop, as I think they have been a great addition to the league. The Prince, on the other hand, may feel a bit of pressure to get a big score as the Waggon managed it the week before, in reality, they need to concentrate on getting to the magical five frames and keep doing what we have been so far.
Studio Bar v Gorton Con Club
The Studio is currently sitting second in the league and will feel confident in its position after last week’s 8-0 win and Gorton’s surprise loss. Gorton will be desperate to secure a win to keep pace with the league’s top two teams. This is the match of the week for me; the amount of talent available to both teams is a major draw. More than a few teams will be keeping a close eye on this match.
The Buxton v The Sidings
The Buxton have had a better start this year than last and continued that with a very good win away at the Steelworks last week, so I am sure they will be feeling confident right now. The Sidings had an awful week last week; first, Captain Dan was taken ill, and then they were on the receiving end of an 8-0 drubbing. This week, though, they have to put that to the back of their minds and concentrate on getting back to winning ways and doing their captain proud.
Waggon & Horses ‘B’ v Strawberry Gardens
Waggon ‘B’, still with that game in hand, will be wanting to get more points on the board and will be looking at this match as a possible one for points. The Strawberry Gardens are a different team this year, picking up points regularly despite last week’s draw they will be quietly confident they can get the job done this week.