AFTER an almost inevitable postponement last weekend, Batley Bulldogs will open their campaign against Widnes Vikings at Mount Pleasant in the group stage of the Northern Rail Cup on Sunday (2pm).

The poor weather leaves the Bulldogs with the prospect of a wet Wednesday in Whitehaven next week (7.30pm) as the game has been re-arranged for February 10. The squad were on the coach ready to depart when news came through the game was off.

A midweek trip to Cumbria will not be welcomed by either supporters or players as clubs around the Co-operative Championship already count the cost of the earlier start to the so-called summer season.

First, however, comes what is sure to be a major test against a Widnes side very anxious to make their mark in all competitions this time.

They have spent a good deal of money forming a full-time squad as they seek to state a strong case for a Super League franchise and are coached by Paul Cullen, who had vast experience with Warrington in Super League.

Widnes got their Northern Rail campaign off to a winning start on Tuesday with a 50-6 home win over Gateshead Thunder.

Batley coach Karl Harrison is considering tinkering with the squad but said he would probably stick to the players on duty for Whitehaven, which will mean no place for Jack Watson or Tommy Gallagher.

He added: “Widnes are a big club, they have signed players of Super League quality and are sure to be a very strong and capable team. We can’t afford to make mistakes against them, if we do we shall learn the hard way.”

One of the Widnes recruits is experienced Aussie James Webster and he will pose a big challenge for Batley’s bright young scrum-half prospect Gareth Moore and much depends whether Moore and Paul Handforth can break the shackles the visitors are sure to try and impose.

The Batley forwards have looked quite good pre-season but the pressure will be on against a hefty and experienced pack, who will want to quickly establish their superiority.

Games between the sides at Mount Pleasant invariably bring plenty of points. Batley stormed back to gain a remarkable 40-34 win last season and the three previous meetings at The Mount ended 23-28, 18-34 and 36-38 in favour of the Vikings.

The Bulldogs revealed their squad numbers last Thursday and among them was Anthony Henderson, who was given No 15, despite the fact he has not trained for some time because of a shoulder problem. If he can get fit he will make a big difference to the competition up front.

Harrison is due to meet Nathan Brown, the coach of Super League club Huddersfield Giants, tomorrow (Friday) regarding when their trio of young players, who are on dual registrations, will be available for the Bulldogs.