The new spirit of co-operation between league and union was strengthened last night with the unveiling of a new partnership between the Bulls and Bradford and Bingley Rugby Union Club.

The Bees have become the first 15-a-side code outfit to join the Bulls Connection, an award winning organisation aimed at encouraging the growth of rugby at grassroots level.

The Connection boasts 50-member clubs from as far afield as Falkirk and Brighton.

The new link-up will begin with the Bees staging a tournament of Bulltag - a touch-style version of rugby - throughout the summer on Wednesday nights at their Wagon Lane ground.

But it will also see the clubs co-operate in running coaching, medical and refereeing courses in addition to encouraging more youngsters to take up the game to the long term benefit of both organisations.

Bradford & Bingley president Peter Harrison said: "We are proud to be able to be part of the ongoing effort to encourage people to play rugby. The days of the two codes going their separate ways is long over. This link-up is to the benefit of the rugby playing public of Bradford.

"The Bees believe this is a mammoth step forward for the future of rugby."

The Bulls are also delighted with the new relationship.

John Downes secretary of the Bulls Connection said: "We set up to assist in the development of rugby at grassroots level.

"Bradford & Bingley will be an important member of the Bulls Connection and together we will be able to achieve our aim of producing rugby players for the future."

Meanwhile coach Matthew Elliott expects to get a clearer indication later today which of his injured quintet will be fit to resume at Warrington on Sunday.

David Boyle (rib), Tevita Vaikona and Michael Withers (both shoulder) and Stuart Spruce and Henry Paul (both knee) are all under treatment after missing last weekend's 26-16 win over Wakefield Trinity.

West Bowling took a giant step towards the Pennine League Premier Division title with a champions performance at Elland last night to secure a 26-14 win.

Bowling took the lead after four minutes when lively scrum half Mark Strother hoisted a precision kick over the defence for full back Ady Priestley to collect and plunge over.

Winger Steve Gregory scored a brave try in the corner and player-coach Glenn Barraclough powered over from a play the ball to keep Bowling on course.

Centre Martin Tordoff closed the half when he tore in at the corner to give Bowling a 20-14 half time lead.

The second half was a backs to the wall fighting effort.

But Bowling put the match to bed when second row forward Simon Owen collected a Barraclough pass to score wide out.

A Woolham penalty three minutes from time secured the points for Bowling.

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