THE Pennine League season finally gets underway tomorrow – a week later than planned.

Difficulties transferring players from the summer league had left teams struggling to register their final squads in time to meet the deadline. But everything is now good to go and clubs are raring to start.

West Bowling kick off their Premier Division campaign with a tough encounter at Doncaster Toll Bar.

Coach Glenn Barraclough has lost two promising and influential players in Joe Lumb and Ollie Bartle, who have both joined Bradford Bulls.

However, he has been busy recruiting in pre-season and welcomes back Danny Halmshaw from Leeds Rhinos and former Bowling junior Robert Young.

Richard Lumb has been unveiled as club captain and will have the job of guiding a young Bowling outfit through what will no doubt be a challenging season in the top flight.

Barraclough said: "They beat us in the Pennine Cup final, and are a physically mature side, but we are looking forward to the challenge."

Odsal Sedbergh have home advantage for their Championship Division opener against Brotherton Bulldogs.

But the Knottingley outfit will prove stiff opposition and Sedge will need to be at their best to win.

Victoria Rangers start their Division One season with a Yorkshire derby at St Joseph's.

Vics know the strong pedigree the Huddersfield side possess but will not allow reputation to stop them in their quest for two points.

Wyke coach Warren Pitman has added former Wibsey players – Mathew Castleden and Nick Heap – to their books and both are expected to face visitors Cutsyke Raiders in their Division Two clash at The Rec.

Under-18s powerhouse Tevin Campbell has impressed in pre-season friendlies and is also named in the squad but Duane Platt and Tim Stones are ruled out through injury.

Ian Wormald has been handed the skipper's armband, taking over from Ian Watkinson, who becomes club captain.

West Bowling A are looking to give youth a chance, with no fewer than five juniors making their open-age debut against Worth Village in Division Three West.

Coach Ryan Hunkin is aiming to improve on a tough season and welcomes back Jason Gelder to the club he started at as a junior.