THE SKIPTON League will be the last of the local leagues to get underway when the action starts on Tuesday.

They have a new three division set-up with 16 teams in each section. Keighley A will once again by favourites to win the Division One title but will face a renewed challenge from old rivals Silsden A and a revitalised Silsden PF A who have recruited top local star Chris Slater and one or two others. Relegation could haunt Keighley B, Lund A, Whins wood and newly promoted Cross Hills A as the battle begins.

Haworth and Steeton A will be seeking promotion to the elite and there is a mixed bunch in Division Two where all positions will be closely contested. Craven A will be hoping to make a quick return from Division Three along with Keighley C in another closely fought divisional battle.

All the usual cup and team events are on the go with the knockout divisional matches due to round off the season.

The Yorkshire Cup qualifying rounds start on Saturday with Cross Roads, Oxenhope, Whins Wood and Oakworth all in action in the event which dates back to 1893. Cross Roads have the best chance of a good run, but face a tricky tie at Micklefield against Netherton Cons of Huddersfield. The toughest game is Oakworth's against Pontefract at Spen. All first round losers will enter the Henry Taylor Cup.

The Hebden Royd Sunday Morning Knockout continues this weekend as holders Cross Roads A march on to what seems an almost inevitable success.

However, Cross Roads have made only an average start in the Halifax League but have a better chance of success with the news that rivals Elland WMC will be without two of their stars for the best part of the season. Oxenhope have made a good start to their league campaign in Division One.

Richard and Trevor Hargreaves reached the last eight of the early season Heckmondwike Pairs in a good quality field.

Early winners in the Valley Cup include Cross Roads A, Steeton A, Bradshaw A, Oakworth A and Cross Hills B.

n The junior bowling season started in very wet conditions in Halifax when John Robertson of Whins Wood travelled over the hill to play in the Elland Merit.

Playing his first competative games of the season, and with new bowls, John progressed to the semi finals with relative ease. However in the semi final John just lost out to home green bowler Micheal Holden (Ackroyd Stanley BC), who went on to win the event outright.