West Bowling make the short journey to Birkenshaw in what promises to be a thrilling tie in the second round of the BNFL National Cup tomorrow.

Birkenshaw, who pulled off a surprise win in last week's postponed first round tie at Seaton Pack Horse in Cumbria, are full of confidence this season and are firm favourites for promotion to the Pennine League's Premier Division.

They have improved considerably since their last meeting against Bowling 18 months ago when they crashed to a heavy defeat in the RBR Bradford Cup. They welcome back centre Dave Turpin and second row forward Darren Webb who missed last week's game.

Bowling, who are doing well in the Conference, are always tough to beat.

Coach Glenn Barraclough has the utmost respect for the Birkenshaw team and Dave Turpin in particular. He knows the danger he can cause from the days when they played together at Bradford Northern.

Second row forward Phil Chappell is out for the rest of the season with a broken arm. John Helliwell takes his place.

Clayton will have to be on their mettle at Pudsey. The Yorkshire League side have only lost once in their domestic competition and gave Queens-bury a fright before going out 30-26 in the Yorkshire Cup.

The Villagers welcome back Craig Pickthall, Adam Mitchell and Chris Parkinson from Yorkshire Colts duty and hope centre Chris Parr comes through a late fitness test.

The only match in the Premier Division is at Hill Top where Queensbury take on Lindley Swifts. Queensbury cannot afford to slip up against the Huddersfield outfit who are struggling in bottom spot.

They will lack forwards Andrew Senior (broken arm) and Danny Wilcock (hamstring). But prop Dougie Lumb has recovered from flu.

Undercliffe will go joint top of Division One if, as expected, they overcome Brighouse Rangers, while Odsal Sedbergh face a difficult trip to Park Amateurs A.

Wyke look a good bet at Silsden Park Rangers in Division Two - especially with the welcome news that they have secured the services of Bradford Bulls forward Michael Banks for a further month.

West Bowling A are at home to Halifax Irish who will need more than their lucky shamrock against the undefeated Division Three leaders.

The Division Four top two of Queensbury A at Liversedge and Victoria Rangers at home to Hillsborough Hawks A will be looking for valuable points in their promotion push.

Shipley should have the edge when they visit Emley Moor A in Division Five.

There looks to be a close game in prospect in the Hudson & Foster Bradford Cup when Clayton A meet West Bowling B at the Delph.

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