THERE is a rumbling of discontent following the Pennine Leagues decision to revamp the top two divisions in its flagship competition.

The Premier Division was reduced to only seven teams which meant that a full fixture list was unviable threatening the cash flow and player retention of the remaining clubs.

The contentious resolution has been made to terminate the Championship Division fixtures and promote the top five teams into the Premier and move the remainder into a reformed Championship. It was also decided that Drighlington who are moving to National Conference Division Three would not be able to finish their commitments before the switch to summer rugby and would therefore have to withdraw forthwith.

The clubs involved have raised concerns regarding the new heavy programme which will see twenty matches having to be completed by May taking account that they are already two months into the season, plus the likelihood of bad weather.

The league management however have clearly stated that there was no alternative option available to them that would have realistically preserved the prestige of the competition.

Back on the field of play, Brighouse Rangers, who have also been elevated, are now at home Queensbury in the Premier Division on Saturday.

The Rangers are a formidable outfit on home territory with up and coming young half back Triston Downs making a big impact and their big pack is also on pomp with props Terry Moon and Kasim Hussain to the fore. Bury who have only lost once in the league this term will be smarting following the narrow defeat at New Earswick last time out.

Coach Phil Gallagher keeps an unchanged squad and Bury’s vastly experienced props Andy Senior and Tom Hainsworth will also contribute fully to establish a platform for success.

There is also a fixture change at West Bowling who now meet Halifax Irish at Emsleys Rec. It is ironic that Bowling are back in the Premier after requesting to drop down a division in order to rebuild their young squad that has an average age of under twenty years. The Halifax visitors have regrouped strongly after struggling last season and will prove to be a hard nut to crack.

Championship One Odsal Sedbergh will give St Josephs a run for their money at Odsal Rec whilst Victoria Rangers make the long journey to Dalton in Division One. The Vics who will lack props Alex Scott and Luke Robinson draft in replacements Johnny Fawthrop and Dave Newhall.