For many years the 'poor relation' as the Thursday League was always considered to be the League with the higher standard, things have now levelled out and maybe even turned around! For the first time ever we have more Tuesday teams than Thursday teams! And the standard of play on Tuesdays keeps getting better year after year. The quality of the teams in the 1st division is without doubt top notch, and the closeness of games is indicative of just how competitive it is. I think it is also shown by the big gulf between 1st and 2nd division teams. Looking firstly at the bottom of the 1st division we see two of the teams who were promoted last season. Both Claremont and Park Club A are struggling at the foot of the table and finding it hard in the top flight. Perhaps the change of handicaps for the 2nd half will revive their fortunes? A surprise team also down there is Carleton B, a team much more accustomed to the other end of the table find themselves right in the relegation zone. Here a new captain and a change of personnel have meant a different look to the team that has consistently been in the prize places over the last three seasons. The other team to be promoted were Norbreck B, but in contrast they are doing rather well. They of course were a 1st division side for many years before unexpectedly finding themselves in division two. But back in the top flight they are doing well and are currently in joint 2nd place. A revitalised Cleveleys Mens A side, again with one or two new players to boost their strength, are currently sitting top of the pile and looking like the team everyone has to work hard to beat in the 2nd half. A surprise team also up there are FCC, a surprise because they only avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last season and now they are up there in joint 2nd place! Also Highbury, new to the division but in fact last seasons Tank B team who were forced to relocate, are having a good season too. Lots of young players, keen as mustard and no fear! The key to success? It all depends how they handle the pressure and the handicap changes of the 2nd half. Other teams doing quite well are as usual The Club A and Blackpool Subs, though Fwood Mens A are another team up there who struggled last season and just avoided relegation. All in all its nicely poised for a good run in. Don't forget, even teams two thirds of the way down the table are only two good wins away from being into the mix for the top three prize places.

And who is likely to be making the big move to join the elite of the 1st division? Well at the moment it is British Legion who are making all the running in the 2nd division but it is all very tight. Breathing down their necks are Crescent and Park Club B, with Fwood Golf the newcomers to the division, and FCC B very much in the running. Any of the teams in this division could still go up, but you have to say that Ashley A, Fwood Cons and Fwood Bowling will have to up their game considerably from the 1st half to be in with a chance. Again I think in this division it will be a close battle right to the end of the season.