QUEENSBURY and West Bowling are straining at the leash in anticipation of returning to action in their Pennine League President's Cup second-round tie at Hill Top on Saturday.

Bury, who have not had a home game since the beginning of last month, will lack loose forward Joe Walker (shoulder injury), plus half-back duo Josh and Jonjo Naylor, who are unavailable.

Johnny Norman and Greg Marriott step into a squad that has been further frustrated by being unable to train at Thornton Recreation Centre due to the freeze.

Bowling are in an identical plight with lack of preparation but gained some respite when captain and packman Richard Lumb and his namesake, hooker Joe, enjoyed a successful outing with the second team last week.

Top game in the second round of the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy is Wyke against Siddal at Towngate.

The Halifax club are more renowned for their exploits in the summer-based National Conference League than the winter game and are struggling in bottom spot in Division One now that Methley Royals have thrown in the towel for this term.

The black and whites may be a division lower in a similar plight but they have looked to be on the up of late under rookie coach Warren Pitman, and have a pack of forwards ideally suited to cup competitions on their notorious difficult home ground.

Victoria Rangers, already installed as one of the favourites to reach the final, travel to fellow Division One dwellers Boothtown Terriers, while Clayton will fancy their chances of coming away from Greetland All Rounders with a place in the hat for round three. Division Three Queensbury A will have to pull out a giant-killing act at unbeaten Division One pacesetters West Leeds.

In the Pennine League, Odsal Sedbergh head to the balmy pastures of York to face Championship Division title-chasers New Earswick All Blacks, while Wibsey Warriors should improve their Division Two status when they travel to bottom-of-the-table Littleborough.

Division Three West Bowling A are back on home soil at Emsley's Rec against Farnley Falcons after numerous travels.

Division Six West Odsal Sedbergh A look to have the edge on visitors Greetland All Rounders A, while hosts Queensbury B will be tested by a strong promotion-chasing Meltham All Blacks.

Wyke A travel to basement boys King Cross Park.