HARDEN face their biggest test of the season tomorrow when they entertain runaway leaders New Rover in a clash of Aire-Wharfe League Division Three front-runners.

Unbeaten throughout the first half of the season, including an opening day 93-run win over Harden, Rover have already opened up a 30-point lead, much of it based on a formidable batting line-up.

Led by Matthew Dinsdale, who has 406 league runs to his credit so far, Rover have scored more than 300 each time they have batted first this season.

One of those was the 317-4 target set for Harden, who came up short that day despite a fine century from Josh Brooksbank.

But Harden have only slipped up once since then and, having climbed into second place last week with a win over another promotion hopeful Bardsey, and having already toppled third-placed Green Lane, they will fancy their chances of upsetting the odds.

That other defeat was at the hands of Skipton, who will hope to cause another upset when they travel to Green Lane, who are looking to regroup after losing three of their last four starts.

With bowlers Azhar Mahmood and Chris Spivey having more than 50 victims between them, Lane will start as hot favourites, but having picked up 8-31 last weekend, Gary Owens will be looking to test the home batting.

Meanwhile, Bardsey should maintain their challenge against Thackley.

Menston have the chance to end a five-match losing streak against struggling Shadwell, while Bolton Villas, fresh from an impressive win over Green Lane, should be far too strong for Alwoodley.

On the opening day of the season, Horsforth caused a stir when they raced to 351-7 and a 123-run win over Division One defending champions Beckwithshaw.

It was the first sign that the Harrogate-based side were going to find the loss of key players hard to cope with, and even though Horsforth have been somewhat inconsistent this season, it will be no surprise if they complete the double tomorrow.

Front-runners Otley exploited that Horsforth weakness last week with a 10-wicket win and, while they are unlikely to find Ilkley as easy, it would be a massive surprise if they lost.

Burley, who trail the leaders by 29 points, travel to Follifoot knowing that they need maximum points from every game to keep pressure on Otley, while also looking over their shoulder at third placed Rawdon, who are unlikely to slip up at rock-bottom Guiseley.

Two defeats since a surprise win over Otley have seen Pool slip too close to the relegation zone for comfort, and they badly need a repeat of their opening-day win over North Leeds.

Only 19 points cover the top four spots in Division Two, which is likely to make Addingham’s trip to Collingham a tense encounter.

Two defeats in a row have seen Addingham drop out of the top two to be replaced by Collingham, who, in Charlie Swallow and Toby Jacklin, have potential match-winners on top of their form.

Leaders Tong Park Esholt should be too strong for Steeton, and Hall Park’s recent impressive form makes them favourites against Olicanian.

All the front-runners will be aware of Colton closing on them and having what should be a comfortable afternoon against struggling Calverley.

There’s an intriguing mid-table match at Roberts Park, though it will be hard for it to live up to the excitement of their earlier clash when Ben Rhydding were bowled out for 154 in reply to Saltaire’s 155.