West Bowling return to action with a challenging BARLA National Cup visit to fellow National Conference strugglers Ovenden on Saturday.

Both sides will regard the first-round tie as a welcome distraction from the battle to escape the Division Two basement area.

And Bowling – who suffered more frustration when their game at home to Croslands last week was another victim of the weather – should be full of confidence, having enjoyed a 26-4 success when the teams met in league action at the Bankfoot Oval.

Queensbury coach Andy Senior will use the long trip to Glasson Rangers as a further benchmark in the development of his young side.

Bury have the talent to make a big impression in the tournament and, while their Cumbrian hosts will hope ‘coach-lag’ plays a big part in the outcome, Bury will back their rugby skills to take the tie.

Bradford Dudley Hill have been chomping at the bit in frustration at the lack of National Conference Premier game time in the enforced lay-off.

Hill were in good nick before the winter curtain came down and will hope to carry on their previous form when Hull Dockers arrive at Parry Lane.

The Dockers won the first encounter 40-31 in a game Hill thought they were desperately unlucky to lose.