The Russell Way outfit were kicked out of the National Conference League during the course of last season, after a sent off player turned out to be playing under someone else's name, and a proposed merger with fellow Pennine League club Whitehall Warriors has fallen through.

Whitehall, who will now be playing under the Hipperholme Warriors banner, recently declined Rangers' renewed overtures to join them.

Rangers will now play in Division Three, league bosses having taken the view that no other space was available for the Calderdale side higher up.

Brighouse are also due to field a second team in the league but are thought to be short of players.

King-sized former Halifax prop Brendan Hill is to coach Rangers, fellow ex-pro Johnnny Bruce having given backword due to work commitments.

League officials have also had to cope with the withdrawal of Wetherby Bulldogs, who have struggled with numbers through pre-season. Their place in Division Six will be taken by new team Westgate Redoubt A.

The league has issued the following revised fixtures for the opening programme on Saturday, September 6 (2.30).

BARLA Yorkshire Cup first round: Norland Sharks v St Josephs, Bank Top Harriers v Slaithwaite Saracens, Bilton Sullys v Emley Moor, Westgate Redoubt v Keighley Pumas, West Hull v Ackworth Jaguars, Elland v Skirlaugh Bulls, Oulton Raiders A v Wibsey Warriors, Dodworth v Beverley, Hull Victoria v Birkenshaw, Thornhill Trojans A v Hull Dockers.

Premier Division: Siddal A v Keighley Albion, Drighlington v Crigglestone All Blacks, Halifax Irish v Queensbury, Sharlston Rovers v New Earswick All Blacks.

Division One: Moldgreen v Kippax Welfare, Illingworth v Wyke, West Bowling A vV King Cross Park.

Division Two: Calder Valley v Ovenden A, Greetland All Rounders v Newsome Panthers.

Division Three: Morley Borough v Sharlston Rovers A, Underbank Rangers v Lindley Swifts, Odsal Sedbergh v Hoyland Vikings, Liversedge v Undercliffe Wildboars, West Leeds v Wortley Dragons.

Division Four: Queensbury A v Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks, Thornton v Dudley Hill A, Hollinwood v Littleborough.

Division Five: Siddal B v Grimethorpe, West Craven Warriors v Halifax Irish A, Rochdale Mayfield B vV Meltham All Blacks, Keighley Albion A v Whitworth Spartans.

Division Six: Guiseley Rangers v Woodhouse Warriors, Sheffield Forgers v Westgate Redoubt A, St Josephs A v Wyke A, New Earswick All Blacks A v Cowling Harlequins.

Division Seven: Burley Lions v Farnley Falcons, King Cross Park A v Illingworth A, Wibsey Warriors A v South Bradford, Whitworth Spartans A v West Leeds A, Emley Moor A v Underbank A