Bank Top Harriers coach Simon Mitchell is hoping for firm conditions underfoot when Crigglestone All Blacks arrive at Lidget Green in the second round of the Pennine League President’s Cup on Saturday.

The Harriers, who are riding high in the Championship Division, will be confident of progressing against a Wakefield outfit who are struggling at the wrong end of Division One.

But Mitchell warned: “The recent soft pitches do not suit our expansive type of rugby, so we will draft prop James Wild into the squad to add size to the pack.

“Captain Cam Nelson misses the tie, so Carl Brian will wear the armband.”

Wibsey Warriors supremo Jason Hirst has no fewer than nine players who have recovered from injury now available for their trip to face fellow Premier Division side Halifax Irish.

Birkenshaw, who are fourth in Division One, will have to be at their best when high-scoring Championship leaders Keighley arrive at East Bierley.

West Bowling will add long-serving packman Sha Basha to an otherwise unchanged squad for the visit of Dewsbury Moor.

Bowling are relishing the knockout competitions this term, having already reached the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Cup and Jack Senior Memorial Bradford Cup.

That could spell trouble for Premier bottom club Moor, who suffered the humiliation of a 102-0 defeat at Sharlston last time out.

Queensbury will hope to make home advantage count when Castleford Panthers make a rare visit to Hill Top. The Panthers are cemented at the foot of Division One, while Queensbury – who operate in the highly competitive Premier Division – have a mighty pack with loose forward Tom Hainsworth to the fore in top form at present.

Meanwhile, Division Two form team Wyke welcome Division Four table-toppers Siddal in the second round of the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy.

The black and whites are boosted by the return of BARLA international second-row forward Ash Hutchinson, who will join player-coach Ian Wormald and pack enforcer Simon Owen in a strong line-up.

But Halifax outfit Siddal are clearly punching below their weight in the lower reaches of the Pennine competition and will be a tough proposition.

Undercliffe Wildboars, whose main ambition is promotion from Division Four, will get a taste of what could await in Division Three if they achieve their goal as they travel to Hoyland Vikings.

The hosts are having a mixed season, with cup success an obvious priority, while the Wildboars are always able to raise the ante against any opponents.

Victoria Rangers face a tough tie at home to Division Two high-fliers Brotherton Bulldogs.