Rangers seek promotion tonic

SEVENTH place in the table, four points off a promotion spot . . . that is the scenario which could face Saddleworth Rangers should they win away at West Bowling tomorrow (2.30pm).

Keith Brennan's side performed admirably against National Conference League premier division side Siddal in midweek.

The Halifax side won that National Cup quarter-final clash 16-2, but Rangers are unlikely to come up against a side as quick and well-polished during the rest of the season.

The goal now is a top-three finish in NCL division one. Victory at West Bowling would see the sides swap places in the table, Rangers edging up to seventh with games in hand over teams at the top end of the division.

"We were trying so hard, possibly too hard, instead of just doing what we do well," said Brennan of his team's midweek loss.

"It was disappointing, but we have to get back on the horse now for West Bowling."

Waterhead face up to a fourth battle of the season against Castleford Lock Lane tomorrow (2.30pm), this time away from home.

The Peach Road side were beaten by just two points in both cup competitions, and by a 10-point margin in division two.

This is the first time the teams have met this year in West Yorkshire, but while Waterhead coach Mick Slicker expects a tough test he is at least drawing on an almost fully-fit squad following a free weekend.

Keiran Grennan is back, Will Schofield should overcome a slight knock and Craig Highton should continue his progress as he beds back into the side.

Oldham St Anne's are without a division one fixture this week.