West Bowling face an uphill task as they travel to take on holders Queens in the quarter-finals of the Hamuel Reichenbacher BARLA Yorkshire Cup on Saturday.
Bowling lost 40-14 to the Leeds side on their last visit in the Pennine League in September after a bruising Premier Division encounter that signalled the start of their injury woes.
They had over 20 players on the casualty list before last week’s clash with Hunslet Old Boys and there was further despair when Nigel Halmshaw (hamstring), Johnny Summers (knee) and Elliot Cousin (knee) limped to the changing rooms after the game.
There is some good news with the return of Jonathan Marcinczak from his World Cup exploits with the Italy squad, while Joe Simpson resumes in the pivotal stand-off berth.
Meanwhile, Wibsey welcome back influential packman Chris Vogel from Yorkshire county duty for their Pennine League match at Slaithwaite Saracens.
Vogel has also been selected to represent BARLA in the forthcoming Dubai Sevens competition. The Warriors have completed the registration of former junior and ex-Keighley Cougars player Luke Helliwell, ensuring a strong squad is available in the quest to cement fifth spot in the Premier Division.
Division One table-toppers Bank Top Harriers should have too much firepower for visitors Allerton Bywater, despite last week’s scare at basement side Lindley Swifts.
And Birkenshaw’s recent good form should continue as they host second-bottom Dearne Valley Bulldogs.
Former Pennine coach of the year Jason Hirst is now making Birky tick and they will be confident of posting their first double of the campaign after last month’s hefty 50-16 away win.
There will be a big touchline following when Wyke welcome neighbours Odsal Sedbergh to Towngate in Division Two.
The Black and Whites are on the rise with two recent wins under their belt but Sedge are three places above their local rivals in the pecking order.
West Bowling A may be in bottom spot but, with Matt Sharp, Callum Wilcock, Matt Tumelty and Ryan Hunkin back and fit to go, high-flying visitors Brighouse Rangers could be on the back foot at Emsleys Rec.
Victoria Rangers will climb higher up the table if they lower the colours of New Earswick All Blacks A, who are two points behind them in a very competitive Division Four.
Undercliffe Wildboars’ promotion ambitions in Division Six will receive a boost if they can come away from fellow high-fliers Wetherby Bulldogs with the points on offer.
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