WEST Bowling head coach Ryan Hunkin is ready for a tough challenge next year as his club gear up to resume pre-season training this week.

The National Conference League Division Two side will look to improve on their eighth-placed finish in 2018 when they return to the field in 2019.

Hunkin said: "It will be good to get back to it as soon as possible. We are setting up a second team now too.

"It is going to be a difficult year next year. There are strong games and teams in there. We have to really go for it."

Hunkin added his side are also looking forward to resuming a derby rivalry with Dudley Hill in 2019 after their neighbours were relegated last season.

Bowling's open age pre-season training is due to start this Saturday at Emsleys Recreational Ground on Raymond Street.

Players new and old are invited to join in from 10am as they build towards the Conference and Yorkshire Men's League campaigns.

Following the first session, there will be a team meeting at the club's headquarters at Odsal's Q Gardens where Hunkin and fellow coaches Adrian Leek, of the first team, and Martin Tordoff and Joe Simpson, of the A team, will outline their plans.

Meanwhile, West Bowling have seen themselves in front of the sport's disciplinary panels.

Liam Coe was found not guilty after video evidence following a kick to the head charge from his side's 40-10 win over Leigh East on September 1.

Leek has received a five-match touchline suspension and fined £100 after being found guilty of using foul and abusive language and abuse based on gender. This offence took place in the same game.

Leigh East's Aaron Noon has received a three-match suspension, which was reduced to one match due to a guilt plea and previous good record, and fined £20, after being found guilty of using offensive language in the clash against Bowling.

Meanwhile, Bradford Dudley Hill were fined £310 for disciplinary offences.

All the matters were dealt with at the National Conference League's disciplinary on October 29.