There is a showdown at Marsh Lane on Saturday which could provide a clear indicator about the Drakes League title race.

Second-placed Shepley host leaders Hoylandswaine with both clubs knowing this could be a make-or-break fixture in the hunt to take the Byrom Shield.

Hoylandswaine hold a five-point lead, but they are almost certain to be without skipper Michael Cranmer because of the knee injury he suffered in last weekend’s T20 Trophy final victory over Barkisland.

Swaine will be keen to ensure Cranmer is fit for the arrowselfdrive Sykes Cup final against Golcar at Honley on Sunday, August 10, so unless he’s made a remarkable recovery it’s unlikely he will feature against Danny Glover’s men.

His absence is a blow for the leaders, because Cranmer has piled up 718 runs this season in addition to taking 22 wickets in league and cup, although he is not their most prolific batsman.

Gharib Nawaz takes that honour with 837 runs at 55.80, second only in the league to Kirkburton’s Ibrar Latif, who has 846 at 56.40.

Ryan Robinson also has 520 runs in a powerful Swaine line-up, while leading the way for Shepley is Liam Wiles on 441 and Kenya international Duncan Allan with 427 – they have suffered with injuries and absences this term.

On the individual bowling front it’s Shepley who have the edge, with Danny Glover taking 42 wickets so far at just 13.10 to be sixth in the standings for all three divisions.

Off-spinner Richard Wilkinson has the most wickets for Swaine with 31 at 15.55, while Yasir Abbas has weighed in with 29 and new signing Zafir Patel is also making an impact. Swaine can also call on Robinson and Ben Potter, so it promises to be an intriguing contest.

Third-placed Scholes, meanwhile, travel to Skelmanthorpe, who are without Australian all-rounder Tom Beaton.

He has returned to Perth to take up his contractual duties with Western Australia at the WACA, having hit 608 runs at Lidgett Lane (average 43.43) and chipping in with a few wickets with his occasional off-spin.

Barkisland will look to get back on track after their league defeat by Shelley and allroundercricket.com T20 Trophy final loss by beating Elland at Woodfield in the Calderdale derby.

In the Jedi Sports Championship, Broad Oak visit Clayton West bidding to protect a three-point leader over Marsden, who are on the road to Almondbury Wes.

Don’t forget, it’s Kirkheaton v Almondbury Wesleyans on Sunday in the final of the Oddfellows Cup (1pm).