Queensbury welcome neighbours Clayton on Saturday in the eagerly-awaited Jack Senior Bradford Cup first-round tie at Hilltop.

With National Conference giants Bradford Dudley Hill hoping their Challenge Cup tie at Kells goes ahead at the fourth time of asking, and West Bowling without a game, a healthy crowd is guaranteed for this long-established clash.

’Bury are in good nick at the moment following last week’s splendid BARLA National Cup display at the Bankfoot Oval, which saw them run Bowling close in a 14-6 defeat.

And player-coach Andy Senior’s game-plan will remain unaffected, despite the loss of three-quarter Ben Marks through injury.

Once again, he will have no hesitation to put his faith in the club’s youngsters, with 17-year-old Joe Flanagan named as a replacement.

Clayton are returning to form after a slight wobble following their virtual hibernation in the bad weather. Player-coach Scott Pendlebury is absent due to work commitments but hooker Phil Redgrave steps into the breach. His leadership will ensure the Villagers are a force to be reckoned with.

Pennine League West Division One leaders Wibsey Warriors will finish top of the pile if they do the double at Emley Moor, having won easily at home 42-12 earlier in the campaign.

With the West and East Divisions merging in a series of play-offs to decide who gets promoted and relegated at the end of the season, Warriors are in poll position to gain a berth in the Premier elite.

Injury-hit Birkenshaw are also seeking the double at West Bowling A, though last week’s star man James Gross, along with Tim Menel, Graham Truman and Adam Lazenby, miss out.

However, the good news is Alan Binns and Luke Hudson are back in contention. Wests, who report fit and fresh without any problems after no game last week, are seeking to atone for the 50-4 heavy defeat at East Bierley in October.

Bank Top Harriers’ Second Division title ambitions will be closer to fruition if they win at Crigglestone All Blacks, who have only played four league games. Wyke look to continue their march up the table at Dodworth.

Dudley Hill A face a tough challenge when they journey to Division Three title rivals Thornhill Trojans.