ROMIDA Sykes Cup holders Barkisland face a massive test in the opening round of next season’s knockout when they begin their defence in May.

Paul Winrow’s side, who beat Delph & Dobcross in last season’s final, face a real tough challenge after being drawn to play Golcar at Swallow Lane.

League champions Honley, who lifted the Cup in 2005 and 2006, could also face a stiff test after being paired with relegated Shelley, who have already recruited a trio of former Yorkshire players, led by Chris Schofield and Bradley Parker.

Beaten finalists Deph will be quietly confident of progressing again at the expense of Conference side Kirkburton, while Elland have shaken off their ‘away tie’ hoodoo after being handed a home game against Lepton when the draw was made at last night’s League annual meeting.

Of the two invited Arrow Central League clubs (it could still be three following the demise of Primrose Hill), champions Hoylandswaine will relish the prospect of meeting lowly Linthwaite, who were successful in their re-election having finished as the Drakes Leagues bottom club last season, while Allsop Cup winners Azaad will visit Kexborough.

The League have still to ratify whether Slaithwaite (Sykes Cup) and Broad Oak (Paddock Shield) will receive a bye, having been drawn against Primrose Hill, or whether a third entry from the Central League will be accepted.

Romida Sykes Cup

First round: Clayton West v Holmfirth, Hall Bower v Broad Oak, Scholes v Marsden, Honley v Shelley, Golcar v Barkisland, Kirkheaton v Meltham, Kexborough v Azaad, Linthwaite v Hoylandswaine, Elland v Lepton Highlanders, Skelmanthorpe v Shepley, Almondbury v Micklehurst, Emley Clarence v Armitage Bridge, Rastrick v Lascelles Hall, Delph & Dobcross v Kirkburton, Paddock v Thongsbridge.

Spectrum Interiors Paddock Shield

First round: Meltham v Paddock, Thongsbridge v Delph & Dobcross, Slaithwaite v Almondbury, Shelley v Golcar, Barkisland v Rastrick, Holmfirth v Skelmanthorpe, Marsden v Kirkheaton, Micklehurst v Clayton West, Lascelles Hall v Kexborough, Kirkburton v Honley, Azaad v Emley Clarence, Lepton Highlanders v Scholes, Shepley v Hall Bower, Hoylandswaine v Linthwaite, Armitage Bridge v Elland.

Ties to be played Saturday, May 3.