Underbank Rangers will be hoping to take their 2014 Pennine League form into the start of 2015.

The men from The Cross ended last year four points clear at the top of the Second Division table.

They should be confident of maintaining their winning run with victory at mid-table Greetland All Rounders on Saturday.

But with a three-week rest behind them, they’ll be hoping there are no signs of rustiness when they take to the field, with any slip-up having the potential to be seized upon by second-placed CK Vikings.

Rustiness following a festive break certainly didn’t have a negative effect on Newsome Panthers when they resumed their Championship I campaign last weekend.

They were immediately firing on all cylinders as they thrashed Allerton Bywater 40-10, so they’ll be aiming to continue the good work when they travel to struggling Odsal Sedbergh this weekend.

At the same time, St Joseph’s resume their campaign against an Allerton side clearly smarting from their defeat at the claws of the Panthers.

It’s also a return to action for Division I side Lindley Swifts, who open 2015 with a trip to fellow mid-table team Ossett Trinity.

But Emley Moor’s challenge is to bounce back from their heavy 56-2 Division IV home defeat to Crofton Cougars when they welcome Selby Warriors.

And there’s also a mid-table tussle In Division V with Slaithwaite Saracens travelling to Hollinwood, while second-placed Meltham All Blacks will be looking to maintain their outstanding defensive efforts at home to Cowling Harlequins in Division VI West.