THE Combination sets out on its second half of the 2004/5 campaign with a testing and expected great Hospital Cup quarter final, this weekend.

Division Two forerunners, Top Nogs, managed by Mike Simmons and consisting of a galaxy of experienced and talented younger lads pit their skills against Division One headliners British Lion, again a fine mixture of experience and youth, over at Grange Park.

Another match worth watching should be the 'derby' clash again at Grange Park, where the Dragon play host to Carrs Hotel in a Premiership headliner.

This turnaround in the season could perhaps give the teams, struggling in the first half, the chance to gather their resources and improve league positions for the end of season run-in.

Kick off times are noted as Hospital Cup 1.45pm and in the League 2pm.

Fixtures, Saturday, January 8

St Helens Star Premier Division: Dentons Green v Stars (K Birch), The Dragon v Carrs Hotel (R Deakin), York v West Park Eccy's (J Blackburn), Old Congs v Sidac Social (G Barker), Eccleston United v Windle Hotel (R McLintock), Rainford North End v Shoe (J Foxcroft).

Booths Mechanical Division One: The Dragon Reserves v Rifle (G O'Brien), Pilkingtons A v Junction (G Birchall), Gerard Arms v Sony (B Teebay), Sidac Social Reserves v Globe (P Stevenson), Roundhouse v Prescot Leisure Reserves (A Beesley).

Hatton Travel Division Two: Boilermakers v Realgate (K Daly), Cricketers v New Street (J Picton), OCS v Rainford North End Reserves (L Smith), Carborundum Eagles v Orange House (J Goodwin).

Nulty-Moffitt Hospital Cup quarter final: Top Nogs v British Lion (P Russell).