West Bowling will be without player-coach Glenn Barraclough for the first time in four years tomorrow when they visit Castleford Lock Lane in the Arriva Trains Conference League Premier Division.

The former Bradford Northern and Bramley hooker misses out through family commitments, and his contribution at the hub of the action is bound to be sorely missed. Lock Lane are third from bottom, but they gave neighbours Featherstone Lions the runaround last week with former Castleford Tiger Dean Sampson outstanding.

Bowling have high hopes of improving on their fifth spot, especially if they can repeat the excellent form that toppled leaders West Hull last Saturday. Loose forward Ian Wormald takes over as hooker, and goal-kicking wingman Lee Innes returns after two weeks on Army duty. Queensbury's former Bradford Bulls prop Craig Richards has put his retirement on hold in order to help the club overcome their horrendous injury crisis.

The vastly experienced forward will play in the first round of the Pennine President's Cup against West Bowling A at Hilltop, and there is further good news with forwards Andrew Cannon and Danny Hill back in the frame after long lay-offs.

Victoria Rangers, who are at home to fellow Pennine Premier colleagues Ovenden, will be looking to go one better and improve on the narrow 26-20 defeat at the hands of the Halifax side earlier this month. On that occasion, youngsters Danny Dixon and Damien Smith caused Ovenden numerous problems with their pace, and a repeat performance could ensure a passage into the second round.

Clayton will be fit and raring to go in their all-Division One clash against Crigglestone All Blacks at Lidget Green after a fortnight's break from the action. Birkenshaw are looking to the cup to kick-start a revival in fortunes. They are also suffering from injuries to key players, and it will be something of a disaster if they come unstuck at Division Two side Silsden Park Rangers.

Odsal Sedbergh are always a handful on home territory, but they will have to raise their game if they wish to upset the odds against the Premier Division's bottom club Illingworth.

In the first round of the Shipley Trophy, Division Four Wyke look to have the edge over visitors York Groves from Division Five, but Queensbury A's home game against Elland A has been postponed.

In Pennine Division Five, Thornton welcome keen rivals Undercliffe in what will be a crucial derby. Both teams are joint second with five wins out of seven. Undercliffe will give fitness tests to Andy Feely, Simon Palmer and Darren Clayton prior to kick-off, and Craig Michael will make his debut.