QUEENSBURY and West Bowling will probably view their second-round Pennine League President's Cup clash as a welcome relief from their trials and tribulations in the Premier Division.

The flagship competition has now been reduced to just five teams following Sharlston Rovers' decision to join the Yorkshire Men's Summer League with immediate effect.

Queensbury secretary Andy Thornton has called on the Pennine management committee to address the growing alarm with urgency, fearing that his club are in danger of losing players who are becoming disillusioned with the 'winter game'.

These worries will be put firmly on the back-burner when Bury host their old rivals Bowling at Hill Top.

Both sides see the cup as a golden opportunity to collect some silverware this term, with Bowling at full strength while Bury will move Jack Evison from prop to the second row to cover the continuing absence of playmaker Joe Walker (shoulder injury). Billy Naylor returns as Bury’s last man in defence.

Victoria Rangers welcome back long-term absentees Ross Peel, Gavin Mezals and Ady Docherty for the short trip to Clayton in the opening round of the Jack Senior Bradford Cup.

The Vics, who will be looking to avoid a repeat of last week’s surprise exit from the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy at Boothtown, will give full back Jordon Walker a late fitness test on his back injury.

Clayton will pick their squad on the day and will not be overawed by the fact that they are two divisions below Rangers.

Holders Wibsey Warriors entertain Odsal Sedbergh in the tie of the round. The Warriors, who are chugging along nicely in the Second Division, will have to be on their mettle if they are to retain their grip on the trophy against Sedge, who are a battle-hardened Championship side.

They met at this stage 12 months ago, when Wibsey triumphed 14-2, setting up the scenario for a great re-match.

Sedbergh's second string are also on a repeat mission when they welcome neighbours Wyke A in the first round of the Hudson Foster Supplementary Bradford Cup.

Sedge won 26-10 after finding themselves 10-0 down in another cracking encounter.

Wyke look on course for a welcome Division Two home win against West Craven Warriors if they repeat the form that saw them give Siddal the fright of their lives before exiting from the Andrew Bennett Trophy in extra time last week.