FOR the third week in a row, Green Lane take on one of their Division Three top-four rivals in the Aire-Wharfe League, and the visit to New Rover tomorrow promises to be the toughest challenge yet.

After losing their unbeaten record to Harden two weeks ago, Lane bounced back with an impressive win over third- placed Bardsey last weekend.

But New Rover – the only unbeaten side in the league after nine matches – are yet another step up and will be a severe test.

Renowned for high scoring on their own track – they started the campaign with 317-4 against Harden – Rover have a number of batsmen, including Matthew Dinsdale and Michael Richmond, capable of a big innings.

But Green Lane can counter that with Philip Atkinson, who already has 374 runs under his belt at an average of almost 69, and Imran Zaman, fresh from an unbeaten 62 last week.

Elsewhere in the division, Harden will be favourites to maintain their challenge but will find Thackley in confident mood after crushing St Chad’s,

A 6-27 spell last weekend took Sam Lawrence’s wicket tally so far to 30, and he is likely to enjoy another lucrative afternoon when Bolton Villas entertain struggling Old Leodiensians.

There will be some tension in the air at Skipton, where the home side and visitors Menston both need points to maintain a cushion above the drop zone.

Otley have already opened up a 28-point lead in Division One and it is hard to see them slipping up against a North Leeds outfit who, despite being fourth, have struggled against the top sides.

Two defeats in a row against teams they were expected to beat have seen Burley’s challenge falter but they can get back on track against struggling Bilton.

Horsforth tackle third-placed Follifoot, and how much of a challenge the Harrogate side faces rather depends on which Horsforth side turns up, having followed three successive wins by two defeats.

Rawdon, who have scored 994 runs in their last four matches, entertain Adel, who have twice been bowled out for under 100 in the last few weeks but who pulled off a shock win over Burley last week.

Ilkley and Guiseley are in a group of three teams with 80 points, hovering just a point above the relegation zone, making their head to head one of the most intriguing of the day.

Both showed improved form last week.

With James Thistlethwaite (54) and Heynrych Nel (4-34) leading the way, Guiseley despatched Horsforth, while Ilkley were only denied victory over Bilton by the rain.

The third member of that group are Pool, who take on bottom club Beckwithshaw.

Rain prevented Division Two leaders Addingham suffering defeat at Hall Park last week and they face another tricky match against Colton, who have climbed to third in the table on the back of five straight wins.

Any slip-up by Addingham is likely to see Tong Park Esholt regain top spot as they should have little problem despatching Kirkstall.

Ben Rhydding are the latest side to try and stop Collingham, who have stalwarts Charlie Swallow and Toby Jacklin in top form.

Olicanian travel to bottom side Calverley, while Saltaire take on a Leeds Modernians side that are finding a second year at this level hard.

Hall Park have, on occasions, looked like a team capable of mounting a promotion challenge, and they should be to be too strong for Steeton.

On Sunday it is the quarter-finals of the Waddilove Cup, with 13-times winners and hot favourites Otley entertaining holders Beckwithshaw.

Otley easily won their league encounter last week but, stung by their loss of form, Beckwithshaw might see the cup as the way to revive their fortunes.

Guiseley will do well to overcome Follifoot, while there could be a couple of Division Two giant killings when Collingham travel to Pool and Tong Park Esholt – finalists two years ago – go to Horsforth.