BIRKENSHAW'S newly-appointed head coach Lee Wilkens takes over the reins for the first time as Division Three rivals Meltham All Blacks arrive for tomorrow's Pennine League clash at East Bierley.

Former Undercliffe prop Wilkens has inherited a strong squad from the outgoing Anthony Wood, who has had to step down due to work commitments.

Recent signings Andy Berry, a prop, wingman Joel Shaw and centre duo Danny Howard and Chris Aked retain their jerseys after a bright start.

The in-form trio of hooker Matty Honysett, prop Adam Lazenby and free-scoring Jarrod Toulson maintain their 100 per cent appearances so far.

The Huddersfield visitors, who are running neck and neck with Birkenshaw in mid-table, have a game in hand and lost last time out, so will be eager to get back to winning ways.

In Division One, Wyke will be straining at the bit after a week off as bottom side Whinmoor Warriors land at Towngate Rec.

The black and whites, who are still smarting from their derby defeat at the hands of Victoria Rangers, should have too much firepower in the pack for the struggling visitors, who failed to raise a side against Brighouse last week.

Coach Warren Pitman, who has instructed his team to return to getting the basics right, has pack leader Shaun Godfrey back in the saddle at loose forward.

They can expect the usual rollercoaster ride from unpredictable second-row forward Lee Birkett.

Brighouse Rangers boast a healthier squad this week, with only long-term injured trio Andy Esmond, Lewis Morris and Ronnie Bailey missing from their line-up against visiting Wakefield side Crigglestone All Blacks.

Both sides are in need of the points in order to close the early gap created by 100 per cent leaders Ovenden.

Division Two form team Clayton are on the road at Wakefield City and the Villagers will start the game as clear favourites against their rock-bottom hosts.

City are bound to be reeling after suffering a mammoth 96-16 mauling at the hands of mid-table Hanging Heaton on their last outing.

Scott Pendlebury's boys are in great nick, with Simon Giles revelling in his new role at loose forward and Dane Bairstow running the show in the key stand-off spot.

Third-placed Queensbury are also on the bus to face leaders Wortley Dragons in Division Four. 'Bury will close the gap on their hosts to a single point if they take the spoils.

Siddal and Kinsley Hotel Raiders, their other top-four rivals, also play a virtual four-pointer as the title race hots up.