Week four of a new Aire-Wharfe League campaign may be too early to talk about season-defining matches, but there can be no doubting Saturday's clash at Larkfield Road between Rawdon and Thackley could be very significant.

The two sides, who are among the favourites for promotion from Division Two, have followed similar plunges from grace in recent years.

Rawdon were runners-up to champions Beckwithshaw in 2009 and then relegated in 2011 and missed out by two points on an instant return to the top flight last season.

Thackley’s fall was even more spectacular, last year’s relegation coming just a year after they were crowned champions.

And the two teams’ paths this season have also been alike – both have been scoring runs freely but both have slipped up against likely rivals for those top-two spots.

Rawdon can look to the consistency of Aussie Joe Loorham, who has already passed the half-century mark three times this season, backed up by uncle and nephew Andrew and James Doidge when chasing runs.

Thackley have Yasser Ali in blistering form following his 170 against Bolton Villas last week - on top of which they have the match-winning potential of bowlers Mahir Ali and Nasser Jamal.

Whichever side wins what could be a titanic clash this weekend will get an enormous confidence boost to take into the rest of the season.

Another promotion hopeful, Green Lane, will expect to bounce back from their defeat by Knaresborough when they entertain North Leeds, while all of them will hope Calverley find a way of taking some points off early pacemakers Adel.

Ilkley should prove too strong for struggling Bardsey, while Bolton Villas face Knaresborough, who have yet to lose a match.

Tong Park Esholt entertain Colton in a battle between the two sides promoted from Division Three.

It was the second half of the season before Ben Rhydding notched their second victory last year but, having already beaten Bilton and Kirkstall, they have clearly improved. However, they face a tough match at Division One front-runners Beckwithshaw.

Burley need to shake off last week’s defeat if they are to take anything off Otley, who last week ended Guiseley’s 100 per cent start, while Steeton travel to Follifoot, both sides needing to kick-start their season.

Guiseley face defending champions Collingham, who have yet to fire on all cylinders, while Harden will do well to break their duck against Pool, who have made an impressive start after both sides won promotion last year.

In Division Three, this season’s surprise packages, Skipton, take the league’s only 100 per cent record to Olicanian, while second-placed Addingham are at fourth-placed Woodhouse.

Defeat by Skipton ended Silsden’s perfect start but they are likely to prove too strong for Menston, who have managed just two points from their opening three matches.

Horsforth travel to Upper Wharfedale and Hall Park to Alwoodley, both hoping to build on last week’s victories.