ST JOSEPH’S have the chance to finally get their Pennine League campaign up and running.

With player-coach Kevin Bower’s side having started their new season two weeks later than their Premier Division rivals and then been involved in Cup clashes, Joe’s will tomorrow play just their second top-flight fixture when they host Leeds club Queens.

Their opening League game back on September 24 ended in defeat as they lost 44-34 at Wibsey Warriors.

But after the bitter disappointment of suffering a 38-30 Holliday Cup extra-time defeat at Newsome Panthers last weekend, the Fartown-based side will be determined to bounce straight back.

It won’t be easy, with Queens having won two of their opening three games, but with Joe’s desperate to get off the Pennine League mark, a big performance is predicted.

Fellow Huddersfield top-flight team Slaithwaite Saracens will also be hoping to find their best form.

They have won just one of their opening four League fixtures, and if they hit their straps tomorrow, there’s no reason why they can’t topple third-placed Sharlston Rovers at home.

Times are proving to be very tough for Emley Moor.

Six Championship Division defeats out of six leaves Moor two points adrift at the foot of the table.

But with the Huddersfield team hosting second-bottom Westgate Wolves, they have a golden opportunity to switch positions and signal a return to better times.

In contrast, First Division Newsome Panthers are riding the crest of a wave after their magnificent Holliday Cup triumph over St Joseph’s.

They are also one of the leading contenders in their division, with four wins from six starts, and that should be increased to five after their home game against struggling Dearne Valley Bulldogs.

It’s a different matter for Division I rivals Lindley Swifts, however.

A poor start to the season leaves Lindley bottom of the table after five games (four defeats and a draw) and they face the prospect of entertaining leaders Bank Top Harriers tomorrow.

Division III title chasers Underbank Rangers are ready for their biggest game of the season so far.

The unbeaten second-placed side make the trip to leaders Queens A, who have also won their opening five fixtures, and if Rangers can collect the two League points they will be in pole position to go on and take the title.

The Division IV table makes for depressing reading, with Newsome A and Slaithwaite A occupying the bottom two spots.

And they both face tough tests tomorrow, with bottom club Newsome at fourth-placed Littleborough and Slaithwaite travelling to Drighlington A, who are third.

In Division V, Meltham All Blacks face a challenging assignment at second-placed Burley Lions, while St Joseph’s A are gearing up for an even stiffer test at leaders Queensbury A.

Mid-table Division VI side Moldgreen are another to be handed a tough challenge this weekend as they host a Guiseley Rangers side who have won their opening five game.

And in Division VII, Underbank A are at home to Queensbury B and Emley A are at Rodley Rockets.