Victoria Rangers are pulling out all the stops to try and ensure their first-round GMB Union National Cup derby tie is played tomorrow at Newlands Sports Ground (2.00).

The pitch has already been forked and Vics are expecting a huge crowd against Bradford Dudley Hill in what will be one of their biggest games for many seasons.

There is the added spice of Rangers' player-coach Phil Hellewell attempting to plot the downfall of the club where he learnt his rugby as a junior before joining the professional ranks.

This is their first meeting in a national competition, and it also means a return to Rangers for Hill's player-coach Chris Robinson, who spent a few months at the beginning of last season with the Vics.

He said: "All our players are looking forward to the game, especially as a lot of the Vics players started out at Hill, which adds spice to the game.

"I enjoyed my time with Rangers. They are a go-ahead club and will move on to bigger and better things, but hopefully not tomorrow!

"We hope to be at full strength, and with us not having a game last weekend it has helped a few of our players get over some niggling injuries."

The sides know each other well with a number of players having worn both colours, and the fact that Hill are in the National Conference League while Rangers are in Pennine League Division One will count for little.

Hill's main worries are Jason Hoyland and Richard Bingley, who are still troubled by calf strains. They will be given as much time as possible.

Rangers welcome back full back Russ Sigston (nose) and wingman Kieran McDermott (shoulder) from injury

Odsal Sedbergh are the only other local team at home and they face a daunting task against Cumberland Division Two leaders Lowca.

Sedbergh enjoyed an impressive Yorkshire Cup run before falling narrowly at home to the eventual runners-up Cutsyke Raiders and a repeat performance could see them go through.

Clayton second row forward Craig Hodgson will miss the trip to Warrington-based Latchford Albion due to a knee injury he sustained in last week's draw against Brighouse Rangers.

But coach Paul Gill's disappointment has been tempered with the return to action of utility back Richard Wood.

Queensbury will be desperate to take the field after a month on the sidelines when they make the long journey to Cumberland Division One Westfield. Basil Richards' men are at full strength against a side treading water with a 50 per cent record.

Birkenshaw travel to Eastmoor Dragons. The Wakefield-based side are in fifth spot in National Conference League Division Two and Birky will be more than aware that they use their huge playing area to full advantage.