Rugby Union: Bradford & Bingley face an important test of their promotion winning capabilities tomorrow.

They travel to Chester aiming to preserve their unbeaten Thwaites North Division Two record.

But the league leaders will be without centre Hugh Gumbs and prop Tom Garnett.

Chris Hemsley makes his first full appearance of the season and Mark Heap returns to the front row.

Chester, who have spent ten of their 12 league seasons in North West One, which they won last season, had a fine 17-3 victory at Morpeth last Saturday, so the pack battle should be interesting.

Bradford Salem, who notched their first victory in North East Division Three last weekend, travel to Ashington, who could so easily have prevented them winning the 1990-91 Provincial Insurance Cup.

Salem were at home in a fourth round tie, and trailed 9-6 with a minute to go when Ashington were awarded a penalty 30 metres from their own posts.

An Ashington player retaliated, however, and the referee reversed his decision. Fly half Andy Gannon kicked the penalty to force extra time, where Salem won 12-9, and they went on to defeat Bicester in the final at Twickenham.

The clubs have never met since. Salem make two changes, Craig Buxton being preferred in the front row to Dave Kelly. Andy Beaumont makes his seasonal debut at flanker in the absence of Steve Cowman.

Wharfedale welcome back skipper Charlie Vyvyan at No 8 for their Jewson National League One home match against Reading.

The former Cambridge blue was concussed three weeks ago against Henley.

Neil Dickinson, who came on as a replacement last week, starts at prop as Philip Peel broke a leg and dislocated an ankle at Otley last week. Otley, who beat the Dalesmen 25-11, are at Manchester.

Keighley, who are at home to Old Crossleyans in a North East Division One derby, give Tim Midgley a chance in the second row in place of Peter Southgate.

Andy Mould comes in on the wing for Cleckheaton, who are at North Ribblesdale in North East Division Two. He replaces the injured Carl Riley.

Baildon are without prop Steve Burgess, who was sent off in last weekend's tempestuous Yorkshire Division Three derby at home to Heath.

The Halifax team, who won 29-0, had two players sent off. Baildon coach Malcolm Lightowler said: "They were fuming at the end of the match and are considering making an official complaint about the referee, but we don't want to get involved in anything like that."

Baildon choose from 17 for their derby at Old Modernians, prop Dave Skirrow coming in for the unavailable Simon Gillson.

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