WEST Bowling found out just how massive the step up is to the pinnacle of National Conference League rugby on Saturday.

They were promoted to the Premier Division at the end of 2023 after romping to the Division One title, and were due to kick off their campaign against York Acorn at the start of the month.

Only three games went ahead in the top light on its opening weekend though, with Acorn’s clash with Bowling not one of them.

But the fact that the North Yorkshire side made it all the way to the Challenge Cup fifth round, where they finally bowed out yesterday with a 62-6 defeat to Betfred Championship side Halifax Panthers, shows just what Bowling will be facing this season.

The Bradford outfit instead kicked off their Premier Division campaign on Saturday, with a tricky looking trip to West Hull.

And their East Yorkshire hosts gave them a brutal lesson, romping to a comprehensive 36-6 victory.

Some key players were missing for the visitors, with hooker Dan Halmshaw and half back Liam Coe both suspended after being sent off for fighting in their side’s Challenge Cup second round defeat at Hammersmith Hills Hoists on the last weekend of January.

Fortunately, Coe is due back for this weekend's home league game against near-neighbours Siddal, but Halmshaw is still banned for another three matches yet.

It was always going to be difficult for Bowling without two of their talisman on Saturday, and so it proved.

West Hull centre AJ Chambers tore the BD6 side to shreds, with his hat-trick of tries the highlight of a dominant home win.

But there was the very creditable consolation of Bowling winger Joel Lincoln scoring the club’s first try of the season in the top flight, which was converted by visiting centre Bradley Wright.

Drighlington enjoyed a much better start to their NCL campaign, winning their Division Three opener superbly, 39-18 at home to Leigh East.

That victory looked even more impressive when you consider the visitors had started their league season a week earlier with a 74-0 victory over Featherstone Lions.

Drig will be looking to make it two league wins from two this coming Saturday, when they host Distington, who have won both of their games so far this season without conceding a point.

And Stanningley bounced back from their opening day home defeat to Ince Rose Bridge in Division One with an epic 22-21 win at Clock Face Miners on Saturday, setting them up nicely for their clash against as-yet unbeaten visitors Dewsbury Moor Maroons this coming weekend.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Former West Wales and Hunslet player Fraser Stroud (2) was part of the Stanningley side who edged out Clock Face Miners by a point on Saturday.Former West Wales and Hunslet player Fraser Stroud (2) was part of the Stanningley side who edged out Clock Face Miners by a point on Saturday. (Image: PA.)

The competitive season in the Yorkshire Men’s League does not get underway until next month, but several of our sides were involved in friendlies over the weekend.

Birkenshaw Blue Dogs drew 10-10 with Dewsbury Moor, while Wyke were unlucky to lose 20-18 at home to Illingworth.

Brighouse Rangers were beaten 18-12 by Siddal Academy, while Guiseley Rangers, who were only formed last season, lost 46-6 against Almondbury Spartans A.