THE winter amateur rugby league season opens this weekend with Crosfields planning a bid for promotion to National Conference League Division One.

Soap were pipped for promotion by Ovenden in the final week of last season but joint coach Andy Coley - the Salford City Reds prop - believes the Hood Lane side are better prepared this time round.

He said: "The foundation for success comes from your pack.

"This season we have plenty of competition for those places, which will provide a greater focus for the lads challenging for starting roles.

"This season we also have a number of quality half backs, who will give us the organisation required to build on the pack's foundations.

"That will also provide cover at the key positions, which was not always there last season."

Coley and his coaching partner Peter Cannon are satisfied that pre-season training has gone well and the team looked sharp in their pre-season friendly victory over Thatto Heath, while the annual challenge against Kells allowed various combinations to be tested in another victory.

The squad has been boosted by players moving up from the under 18s, with Matty Barber and David Rolt expected to make a significant impact.

James Lomax has also returned to the club after stints with National League One clubs and Cannon is making a comeback in his role as player-coach.

Crosfields' opening game is against Saddleworth Rangers at Hood Lane on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.

An exciting campaign is in store for three Warrington teams in the North West Counties Premier Division.

Promoted Bank Quay Bulls and Latchford Albion have joined Rylands in the top flight with the prospect of six league derby' games this term.

Bulls' first season in the Premier Division starts at Longshaw Street against Orrell St James on Saturday, while Latchford will entertain Bold Miners at Victoria Park and Rylands play host to Haydock at Gorsey Lane, with all matches kicking off at 2.30pm.

Saturday also sees the return of Woolston Rovers to competitive open-age rugby for the first time since a fire destroyed their Bennett's Recreation Ground clubhouse.

Their first game in Division Six will be away to the Warrington Internet Message Board Rugby League side, who are new to the North West Counties league this year.