QUEENSBURY coach Andy Senior is convinced that the club have pulled off a major coup following the signing of centre Jason Gelder.

The burly three-quarter has joined Bury from the now defunct Bank Top Harriers and has made an impressive start to life in the blue and white jersey.

A delighted Senior enthused: “Jason is a big lad who brings a real threat to the middle backs. He scored with his first touch on his debut and we are expecting more of the same on the visit to Bentley Good Companions this weekend.”

Bury also have Ash Ryan, Mike Kieran and John Farr available after completing suspensions in what will be a full-strength squad that will be intent on maintaining their unbeaten start to the Championship campaign.

Senior also expressed concern regarding the lack of fixtures for Queensbury’s second team, stating: “There are only seven teams in Division Three, which means our strong second string will be clicking their heels for long periods as things stand.

"The feeder team is vital for our promotion chances so I hope the Pennine Committee sort out the fixtures as a matter of priority."

Bury A, who entertain bottom-of-the-table Crigglestone All Blacks, are looking to Steve Nagy, Aaron Moore and Gareth Crowther to continue their fine starts in their unbeaten three-match run.

Birkenshaw, who are in the throes of team rebuilding, are at home to Doncaster Toll Bar in Championship One.

Birky were shocked by the sudden unannounced departure of head coach Jason Lee and the loss of 13 players from last season’s squad. They are now looking to new signing Graham Harrison, from Bramley Buffaloes, to lead the way alongside stalwarts Matty Honysett, Damian Smith and Craig Morley.

Odsal Sedbergh welcome Boothtown Terriers to Odsal Rec, with both sides searching for their first win this term.

In Division One, unbeaten Victoria Rangers have a plethora of injuries when they journey to Cutsyke Raiders. Full back Jordon Walker is out with a broken hand while Ash Yarrow (knee), Callum Smith (leg) and Joe Bell (virus) are also out. Veteran half-back Craig Dalladay, who has been in great form for the second team, steps up to the plate.

Division Two Wyke are at home to Hunslet Club Parkside, who have been rebranded from Hunslet Old Boys after switching their first team to the summer-based National Conference.

West Bowling face a tough task in the second round of the BARLA Yorkshire Cup at Upton.

Bowling will take the field without Ashley Hutchinson (knee) and Adam Reardon (hamstring). Lewis Poole will make his debut against last year’s semi-final hosts.