Holders Birkenshaw start their defence of the Jack Senior Memorial Bradford Cup with a preliminary-round tie against Wyke at East Bierley.

Birky may be struggling in Pennine League Division One this season but with the carrot of a final at Odsal Stadium, league form seems to go out of the window.

They still have a bevy of big guns, such as free-scoring centre Morton Robinson, plus the silky skills of stand-off Andy Hirst to call upon, and the local showpiece may be their only chance of glory this term.

Wyke, on the other hand, have been reborn under new coaches Jason Hurst and Graham Wood.

The former South Bradford duo have instilled discipline and tactics, which, together with the experience and will to win of former West Bowling loose forward Simon Owen, has made the black and whites promotion favourites in Division Four.

Division Two Odsal Sedbergh meet Dudley Hill at Odsal Rec. Sedge are known for their gallant cup feats over recent years and know how to play their sloping field to full advantage. Hill, a division higher, have made a quiet start but with an abundance of talent available, it could be all down to who turns out in the blue and gold.

Lat season beaten finalists Queensbury A get underway with a home tie against Birken-shaw in the preliminary round of the Hudson Foster Supple-mentary Bradford Cup.

Bury posted their first win against Sedbergh last week, mainly thanks to the inspiration of player-coach Andy Thornton, which could prove an unlucky omen to a Birkenshaw A outfit cast adrift in Division Five. Thornton, also in the doldrums, meet new boys Wibsey Warriors at Leaventhorpe Lane.

Thornton's poor form has been mystifying but with wily coach Gary Naylor at the helm an upturn in fortunes seems imminent. It's Wibsey's first taste of local cup rugby and it will be a huge shock if they make the hat for the first round.

In the Pennine League, Premier Division Clayton must claim the points to get their season underway at Siddal, and a possible Yorkshire Cup final dress rehearsal could be on the cards when Queensbury travel to high-fliers Sharlston Rovers.

l West Bowling will be without exciting young half-back Andy Robinson for their National Conference League Division One match against Walney Central at the Bankfoot Oval.

Robinson has been withdrawn following his selection for the Great Britain Amateurs Under-18s squad to face Penrith Panthers Under-18s at Stanning-ley next Wednesday.

With teenage full back Ryan Smith also unavailable, coach Glenn Barraclough reverts to pack power to tip the balance.

Giant props Gareth Shepherd and Phil Chappell return to the fray for Wests.