ROMIDA Sykes Cup holders Barkisland face a searching test as they start the defence of the trophy tomorrow.

For the first round takes Paul Winrow’s team to Golcar (1.30), who have lost their opening two Drakes Premiership games but are still a side most would be happy to avoid.

Barkisland’s Indian pace bowler Jitender Billa has still not arrived and Winrow, who saw his side crash last Saturday after making 92 himself in what was a pretty solitary effort, will be hoping for more support, especially as Golcar opener Steve Whitwam has still to register a score this season!

The other tie of the round will be at Lidgett Lane, where Skelmanthorpe entertain Shepley in what will be the ‘re-match of the Glover brothers.’

Danny is now skipper at Shepley, and narrowly missed out on sealing an opening-day win over Skelmanthorpe, who now boast Craig (Glover) in their ranks. He won the family’s bragging rights when dismissing his younger sibling to wrap up Skelmanthorpe’s League win.

The only other all-Premiership tie is at Clayton West, where the pointless Back Laners play host to Gary Jakeman’s Holmfirth, who are also without a win despite John Sadler’s whopping 135 last week.

Elsewhere, new boys Hoylandswaine, we already sit proudly on top of the Cedar Court Conference with 12 points out of 12, will be involved in what could be a tasty trip to Linthwaite, who are now skippered by ex-Swaine player Scott Marsh, plus the Mulhall brothers, Tony and Danny.

The way John Ashton has started with back-to-back tons for the Barnsley side will see them visit Manchester Road with confidence.

Meanwhile, winless Honley hope to kick-start their season with victory over a re-inforced Shelley side, for whom Bradley Parker and Chris Schofield could provide a bit of a shock.

Tomorrow is also the opening round in the Spectrum Interiors Paddock Shield, and holders Shepley are at home to Hall Bower, while beaten finalists Elland visit Armitage Bridge.

Sunday is carry-over day for weather-affected ties. Any which go past 10 overs must continue on Sunday and following evenings if necessary. Any not reaching 10 overs can be re-started on the Sunday.

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.

Bye: Slaithwaite,.

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, Armitae Bridge v Elland.

Bye: Broad Oak.