Heath and Haydock back on the Challenge Cup trail: THATTO Heath Crusaders and Haydock return to Powergen Challenge Cup action this weekend knowing that victory could leave them just 80 minutes away from a dream clash against Super League opposition.

Both clubs have been handed home ties in Saturday's second round against National Conference League opposition.

Heath, currently battling to beat the drop from the Conference Premier Division, entertain Division One promotion contenders, East Hull; while Haydock play host to Division Two outfit, Normanton Knights.

And both will be keen to make home advantage tell with the 14 amateur survivors going into the hat for the third round draw, along with the 20 National League clubs and teams from Russia and France.

The 12 Super League clubs join the competition at the fourth round stage in April.

Of the pair, Heath look to have much the harder task against an East Hull side who come into the match on the back of an impressive league win last week. However, Heath themselves put up a much-improved display, despite going down to championship contenders Thornhill. If they can reproduce that form, that home advantage might just be enough to see them through.

Haydock, meanwhile, have scored comfortable wins over Yorkshire opposition in their last two home fixtures in the National Cup and the Challenge Cup and I expect them to make it three on Saturday.

Both these games kick-off at 1.30pm.

In the North West Counties Premier Division it's derby day again when Bold Miners make the short trip to Boardmans Lane to face Blackbrook.

The sides had differing fortunes last week, with Bold going down by the narrowest of margins to strugglers Wigan St Cuthberts while Brook returned to winning ways with a hard-fought triumph at Farnworth.

When they met at Fleet Lane at the end of November, Bold scored a well-deserved, if narrow, success and I expect another close encounter this time around.

In Division One, after last week's wasted journey to Adlington Rangers, Portico Vine are scheduled to make the long trip to face Ulverston.

Although almost certain to be heading for relegation, Portico Vine can use their remaining four league fixtures to build a platform for next season.

And provided they can assemble something like their full squad there is no reason why they can't go out with a bang rather than a whimper.

In Division Three Clock Face Miners and Thatto Heath A are away to Shevington Sharks and Culcheth Eagles respectively.

Clock had a good win at Burtonwood Bridge last week but they will have to pull out all the stops to halt league leaders, Shevington who boast the NWCL's only 100 per cent record.

Heath A have been guilty of inconsistency - often a problem for second strings hit by first-team calls - but should be too good for struggling Culcheth.

Blackbrook seconds will have their Division Four promotion credentials put to the test by fellow contenders Waterhead A.

Brook triumphed 26-8 when the sides met earlier in the campaign but will surely find it much tougher at Oldham.

In the same division Pilks Recs A should be too strong for Cadishead Rhinos at City Road, while Eccleston Lions, who were unable to field a side last week, will be hoping to put that disappointing episode behind them at home to Leigh Miners A.