WEST Bowling have a home tie in the opening round of the BARLA National Cup, with North Herts Crusaders arriving at Emsley's Rec.

The visitors, who were formed four years ago, mainly consist of rugby union players based in Letchworth who play rugby league in the summer in the East of England.

While the Crusaders acknowledge that they are far removed from the heartlands of the game, they are extremely enthusiastic to test their skills against the best teams possible, and joined the competition for the first time last season, losing 50-0 at Upton.

Bowling will be without scrum half and marksman Ben Heald and three-quarter Robert Young, who are both unavailable.

However, hooker Danny Halmshaw and the versatile Jason Marshall are back in harness for the clash, with coach Glenn Barraclough saying: "Crusaders are an unknown quantity and obviously have ambition by entering the competition.

"We have to be aware that complacency could be our biggest enemy."

Queensbury start their bid to march up the Pennine League Championship Division when they welcome Batley Boys to Deanstones Lane.

Bury, who have only completed two league outings so far, are raring to go against third-placed Boys, who are renowned for their huge physical presence.

Coach Phil Gallagher has a strong squad now that Luke Cheney, after a four-month injury lay-off, and Stephen Nagy are back in the fold.

Odsal Sedbergh entertain second-placed King Cross Park at Odsal Rec and will fancy turning over the Halifax outfit, who have managed to keep playing when others have had games called off.

In Division One, Victoria Rangers face St Joseph's on home soil, hoping to end a three-match losing sequence.

The Huddersfield-based visitors have been blowing hot and cold all season due to player shortages, giving the Vics a genuine chance of success.

Queensbury A host Clayton in a Division Three West derby, while Worth Village will start favourites when West Bowling A arrive at Marley Stadium.

Birkenshaw’s newly-acquired credentials will be tested to the full when Odsal Sedbergh A go to East Bierley in Division Four West.