Tactical kickers will have key role in Bradford Cup semi-final (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Tactical kickers will have key role in Bradford Cup semi-final

5:40pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport By Jack Strother

The battle of the goal-kicking half-backs will play a major part in deciding if it will be Wibsey Warriors or West Bowling who contest the Jack Senior Memorial Bradford Cup final at Odsal Stadium in May.

Holders Wibsey, who have the added bonus of home advantage on Saturday, will look to scrum half Simon Sewell to continue his accuracy with the boot that has provided the platform for their success so far, while West’s youngster Ben Heald has the ability to punish any team from long range given the chance.

Stand-off Ryan Smith will dictate events for the Warriors, while Liam Darville will play an identical role for a Bowling side that celebrates centre Jack Dawson and pack leader Johnny Summers' recovery from injury.

Birkenshaw meet Clayton in the second semi-final at Lidget Green.

Clayton are having a torrid season, with player shortages dictating team selection, but the smell of silverware will bring out their best against a Birkenshaw side that are lacking goal-kicking forward Shaun Godfrey for the first time this term.

Birky, however, will have free-scoring centres Damian Smith and Gavin Mezals back in the fold.

Undercliffe Wildboars host old rivals Queensbury A in the semi-final of the Hudson Foster Supplementary Bradford Cup at Rawdon Meadows.

The Wildboars have lost out to Bury at this stage twice in succession and, while they will be without the services of Ash Yarraw, they draft Mat Garbutt and Andrew Kilmartin into a strong unit.

Queensbury’s second string have no injury worries and will roll out the red carpet for the return of packmen Andy Walker, Charlie Gallagher, Ash Delaney and ball-playing prop Brett Marriott.