WEB Bradford Dudley Hill’s National Conference Division One promotion hopes have taken a knock following the unexpected loss of free-scoring utility back Tony Williams.

Club spokesman Jason Hoyland explained: “Tony sent a text message last week stating he was unavailable for the rest of the season due to work commitments and we are trying to make contact with him in order to clarify matters.”

In the meantime, the new halfback partnership of Josh Essex and Danny Thomas will spearhead the attack when Hill welcome Rochdale Mayfield to Parry Lane, with both teams sharing the spoils earlier in the campaign following a 16-16 draw.

West Bowling have high hopes of progressing to the third round of the BARLA National Cup when they meet Askam at Bankfoot Oval.

Bowling will be without playmaker and captain Steve Illingworth, who has a damaged knee, but with forwards Johnny Summers and Liam Martin back in top form they should continue their dominance over the Cumbrians, who have lost on all of their previous visits.