PENNINE League Premier Division defending champions West Bowling don't know what to expect when they travel to old rivals Sharlston Rovers tomorrow in the second round of the Pennine President's Cup.

Rovers' winter team operates in Pennine Division One but they also field a summer-based outfit at a much-higher standard who are vying to join the National Conference League.

Bowling will lack prop Ash Hutchinson, who has an injured hand, but veteran Sha Basha and Jason Marshall return to the engine room.

However, head coach Glenn Barraclough dismissed the uncertainty, saying: "Our form is just starting to get somewhere near to where we want to be but Sharlston away is a tough fixture."

Queensbury are at home to fellow Championship Division side Odsal Sedbergh in what should be a fiercely-fought tie.

Bury, the form team at present, having pushed the mighty Fryston all the way in last week's Yorkshire Cup, are still racing to get forward Dan Hawksworth and Joe Flanagan fit to join their buoyant squad.

Proud Sedge are still table-toppers, despite recent setbacks, and with stand-off Paul Bottomley directing operations, they will not be pushovers.

Victoria Rangers will consolidate their march up the Division One table if they overcome hosts Siddal, who are level on points, while, in Division Two, Wyke are on the bus again, meeting lowly Woodhouse Warriors.

The black and whites, who are in good nick following the narrow win at West Craven last time out, will be looking to Sam Kitson and Liam Hay to reproduce their outstanding form.

Clayton will be confident of maintaining top spot in Division Three West when Newsome Panthers arrive at Lidget Green.

The Villagers have been transformed with the return of a number of experienced performers which, together with the natural progression of their extensive youth section, has rekindled their fortunes.

Newsome are also on the mend after recent troubles and will be a handful.

* John Mitchell, one of the most respected coaches in the amateur game locally, has died aged 63 after an 11-month battle against cancer.

The former Clayton packman took up the coaching reins with his home club at junior level, producing a generation of quality players.

He went on to guide ladies' Bradford Thunderbirds before playing a major role with West Bowling in the National Conference League.

He finished his career at Bank Top Harriers, alongside his sons Simon and Adam, who benefitted greatly from his vast experience and advice.

John's funeral will be at Scholemoor Cemetery next Thursday at 1.20pm, followed by a reception at Clayton Rugby Club.