Dudley Hill's flying form put to the test at Askam

Askam's opening games have featured a win, draw and loss but a clear indication of Hill's task is illustrated by the Barrow side's last match at second-placed Hunslet Club Parkside, where they led 10-0 at half-time before falling to a narrow 18-16 defeat.

The long journey is also worth a six-point start to the hosts but Hill's excellent form will keep the adrenaline levels flowing which, coupled with the devastating form of wingman Neil Wall, who has a seven-try total so far, plus the return of their other flanker Damian Smith, who has also crossed four times, bodes well for another win.

The scheduled Yorkshire Men's League Premier clash at West Bowling has been postponed. Mirfield Stags have negotiated a later date in order that they can continue their bid to win the Pennine Championship title unhindered. Their main rivals Queensbury are committed on two fronts, hosting Brotherton Bulldogs in the winter game while the summer side travel to Bentley.

Pennine Division One Victoria Rangers welcome Siddal. Coach John Hodgson is a great admirer of the Halifax outfit who are renowned for their fast, open brand of rugby.

This won't prevent him from striving to overturn them on the day, however, especially with his hooker Sam Thornton likely to run the show.

Wyke return to action after a week off to face Division Two table toppers Ovenden at Towngate. The black and whites will be without back row forward Jonny Waddington but there is ample cover available, with Shaun Godfrey, Gavin Mezals and Calvin Barker now fit and ready to go. Birkenshaw's late charge up the Division Four West table will be tested when Mirfield Stags A visit East Bierley.

Birky, who made mincemeat of leaders Illingworth last week, will look to full back Gary Procter to continue his prowess with the boot and maintain his talent of causing havoc when he joins the line to make the extra man on attack.