QUEENSBURY are hoping that Saturday's visit to Heysham Atoms in the opening round of the BARLA National Cup will provide some light relief from their Pennine League Premier Division struggles.

Bury, who were reluctantly promoted, have yet to post a victory in the top flight and are looking for an extended run in the National Cup competition that is considerably reduced in numbers, with clubs being reluctant to participate due to the possibility of heavy travelling costs.

The Atoms play at Carnforth RUFC, are in Division One of the North West Counties Summer League and have only just resumed training for what will be their first outing since October.

Bury, on the other hand, are battle hardened and select from strength, with the return of half-back Jonjo Naylor, centres Tom Hainsworth and Ash Ryan and prop Andy Senior, whose presence is almost bound to provide a crucial edge.

Victoria Rangers are at home to Wibsey Warriors in the delayed opening round of the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy.

The match was postponed last month due to a broken drain which flooded the pitch, and both teams have used the period wisely, resulting in a clutch of players back in action after injuries.

The Vics have Alex Scott, Ash Yarrow and Callan Smith in their squad but Craig Morley has only a 50 per cent chance of playing and will have a fitness test prior to kick-off.

Wibsey likewise welcome Brad Tatt, Mark Kendall and Nat Marchant back into the fold. However, Chris Rodgers (knee ligaments) and Scott Watson (dislocated thumb) are struggling to make the tie.

Odsal Sedbergh, still seeking a first win in the Championship, have a genuine chance with troubled Newsome Panthers arriving at Odsal Rec, while Wyke will have to raise their game if they are to take any solace from the trip to Division Two high-flyers CK Vikings, who have only lost once so far this term.

In Division Three, Queensbury A's giant centre Jason Gelder will be practising his try-scoring celebration in anticipation of the visit of bottom outfit Kinsley Raiders, and Clayton get back in the saddle of a long lay-off with a home encounter against second-placed Woodhouse Warriors.