WIBSEY Warriors' fortunes have taken a turn for the better following the return of head coach Jason Hirst.

Warriors' second team, who are competing in the Pennine League while their more illustrious colleagues prepare for a new challenge in next summer's Kingstone Press National Conference League, have found life hard in Division Two.

They were struggling at the wrong end of the table but the reappearance of Hirst – together with vastly experienced prop forward Ross Simpson – for last week's crushing home win over Littleborough, bodes well for another repeat performance when Greetland All Rounders arrive at Northfield Road this weekend.

With the virtual strike by Brighouse Rangers, Halifax Irish and Illingworth showing no signs of being resolved, there are no scheduled games in the Premier Division.

Odsal Sedbergh will be hoping that besieged hosts Newsome Panthers are able to field a side for their Championship One Division basement encounter.

Sedge quite rightly feel they are in a false position at next to bottom, while the Panthers – who failed to travel to New Earswick last week – are just one place above them in the table.

In Division One, Victoria Rangers' thrilling victory over Sharlston Rovers A came at a price prior to their visit to Siddal.

Wingman Rob Stones is out with a facial injury as well as packman Scott Butler, who suffered a sprung shoulder.

Winger Carl McGuigan will have a fitness test on his damaged leg prior to the kick-off – but on the positive side, hooker Isaac Brown steps in and free-scoring half-back Aiden Scully returns from Yorkshire duty.

Wyke, who badly need to break their duck in Division Two, have a golden chance to make inroads by starting the revival against guests Littleborough.

The visitors will not relish a second successive visit to the area after crashing to a 46-6 defeat at Wibsey.

A refreshed Clayton, who enjoyed a week off due to a waterlogged pitch, have a tough game on their hands at home to Division Three high-fliers Woodhouse Warriors.

West Bowling A face a similar challenge when Division Four promotion hopefuls Eastmoor Dragons arrive at Emsley's Rec.

Two local derbies are the centre of attention in Division Six West, with Odsal Sedbergh A entertaining Clayton A while top-of-the-table Victoria Rangers A have home advantage over Wyke A.