WEST Bowling and Queensbury are both on the road as the Pennine League Premier Division crisis takes another turn for the worse.

Brighouse Rangers and Illingworth, who have refused to play any fixtures following their forced elevation to the top flight, have withdrawn their first teams from the Pennine League and are set to join the summer-based Yorkshire Men's League in March.

However, both clubs have been allowed to keep their second string under the Pennine banner in their respective lower leagues – a decision which is already causing concern regarding their strengths compared to their opponents.

Halifax Irish, who have also been on strike, are expected to follow suit shortly but do not have the added complication of having a reserve team.

This leaves a truncated Premier Division with a shortage of fixtures, which is a further headache for the Pennine officials.

Bowling, who travel to Upton, face a tough challenge but Glenn Barraclough’s boys will be cock-a-hoop following their win against Leeds giants Queens last time out.

Bury will also have a huge task on their hands at Fryston Warriors, who booked a berth in the BARLA Yorkshire Cup final by seeing off Sharlston Rovers 14-10 last week .

Victoria Rangers entertain Wibsey Warriors in the pick of the opening round of the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy.

The Vics enter the fray at maximum strength, following the return of centre Rob Stones from a facial injury.

Clever half-back Josh Hattie and full back Jordon Walker have recovered from minor knocks, and former Wyke favourite, prop Trevor West, is also included in the squad.

Wibsey looked in their pomp during last Saturday's win against Greetland, and they will be confident of progressing further thanks to the threat posed from free-scoring centre Steve Redman and their staunch defence, headed by full back Paul Jennings.

Wyke make the journey to Littleborough, believing that their opponents have pulled a fast one.

They failed to arrive at Towngate in the league last week, and the black and whites now face a side refreshed with home advantage.

In Championship Division, One Odsal Sedbergh should make the Odsal Rec slope count in their favour against visitors Morley Borough, who are just two points above them in the table, while Queensbury A start favourites at home to Clayton in the Division Three derby.

West Bowling A will be looking to climb out of the Division Four basement zone against hosts Farnley Falcons, who are also struggling at the wrong end of the table.