Hooking Kitson is looking a wise decision for title-chasing Birkenshaw (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Hooking Kitson is looking a wise decision for title-chasing Birkenshaw

4:48pm Thursday 8th December 2011 in Pennine League

New recruit Nathan Kitson has already made a strong impact on Birkenshaw’s Division One title challenge.

Birky managed to sign up the Bradford Dudley Hill hooker prior to the Pennine Leagues embargo on National Conference players last month and they were rewarded for their foresight when he stole the show with a hat-trick on his debut against Moorends Marauders.

Coach Jason Hirst is looking for more of the same when his troops travel to Newsome Panthers searching for the double against the Huddersfield hosts who are just one place behind them in third spot.

“Nathan is a quality player who has fit in well” said Hirst.

“He plays for the team and the other lads have responded positively.

“We have a problem with the front row this week through injuries however Trevor West and Graham Trueman will both make the trip and Jason Lee will be in line for his first start.”

Table-toppers Bank Top Harries are at full strength for the visit of Morley Borough who will be fearful of the Harriers attack which ran in a 40-12 total in the previous meeting.

Top local match of the day is the Clayton v Wibsey Warriors Premier encounter at Lidget Green.

Clayton are have injury problems so their player coach Scott Pendlebury will hold a head count before the start. Wibsey will be intent on returning to winning ways after two six-point defeats at the hands of Drighlington and Queens.

The Warriors welcome back Mark Kendall for his first game of the season following work commitments.

Queensbury will have some much-needed experience back in the ranks for the visit of fellow basement dwellers St Joseph’s.

Joe Swaine, Lee Kelly and Trevor Stead will boost their attack against a St Joe’s outfit that posted their first win of the season against Clayton last time out.

West Bowling will be looking to spring a surprise over Sharlston Rovers at the Bankfoot Oval.

The Rovers are in second place but they have been far from convincing lately. West’s pack leader Johnny Summers will test out his injured knee before kick-off.

In Division Two Wyke are on course for their first double at Illingworth.