West Bowling A primed for rise

2:56pm Thursday 17th April 2008

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West Bowling A, just two wins away from securing promotion to the Pennine League Premier Division, welcome Moldgreen to Emsleys Rec on Saturday.

Bowling slipped into third spot after Siddal A's midweek romp over Illingworth but, with a game in hand and home advantage, they should repeat their away success.

With Phil Chappell and Trevor Stead missing from last week's line-up, Sha Basha and Gavin Buckley are drafted into the squad.

Clayton will be looking to fine tune their forthcoming Jack Senior Bradford Cup bid when they meet Premier champions-elect Halifax Irish.

Both sides are sitting comfortably in the table, and at this stage of the season the Irish may take their eye off the ball.

Table-topping Wyke, who are on the brink of going up from Division Two, are at home to Dearne Valley Bulldogs.

Coach Jason Hirst, however, has a cautionary message, saying: "We have beaten them twice this season in the cup and league but they are a real handful and, while we seem to struggle against them generally, we certainly won't lack motivation with the title now a clear contest between ourselves and Newsome."

Birkenshaw have more than a realistic chance of lowering Division One top dogs Crigglestone All Blacks' colours. The hosts lost again in midweek after suffering their first defeat at West Bowling.