WEST Bowling’s impressive revival under coach Glenn Barraclough looks on course to go a step further on Saturday when they welcome Championship Division Allerton Bywater in the semi-final of the Pennine President's Cup at Emsley's Rec.
Bowling, who have already booked a berth in the Jack Senior Bradford Cup final at Odsal later this month, are also seeking to add the top Pennine League trophy to their silverware cabinet after enjoying a splendid season in the Premier Division.
The return of Barraclough, rightly regarded as one of the best helmsman in the amateur game, has seen Bowling’s youngsters develop quickly into a well-organised, skilful outfit that never throw in the towel.
Tough-tackling centre Ross Walker and speedy three-quarter Joe Smedley return to a Bowling squad that performed heroically at Queens, with the only absentee being long-serving forward Sha Basha.
Allerton, who had a nightmarish game when they met Odsal Sedbergh earlier this month, crashing to a 32-6 defeat, have a classy stand-off in Danny Lazenby but Barraclough said: “Our focus is on not taking Allerton Bywater's recent results for granted but preparing well for whatever challenge comes our way."
Queensbury return to action after a week off when they entertain Queens in the only Premier Division game of the day at Hilltop.
Bury will use the game against the Leeds outfit, who are a shadow of the side that carried all before them in recent years, to iron out a few cobwebs before the Bradford Cup final.
Odsal Sedbergh will wish to continue their excellent Championship Division form at Brotherton Bulldogs, while Victoria Rangers will bring their Division One campaign to a close when they meet Barrow-based Dalton at Eccleshill Sports Club.
Wyke, who have finished mid-table in Division Two after a shaky start, also say adios following the visit of CK Vikings.
The Division Three derby between Queensbury A and Clayton should attract a healthy touchline attendance, while the highly competitive Division Six West is rattling on to a close finish.
Title favourites Worth Village look home and dry if, as expected, they win at Greetland All Rounders, leaving Victoria Rangers A with a must-win scenario at home to Queensbury B in order to keep pace with promotion rivals Meltham All Blacks, who have the easier task at Boothtown Terriers A.
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