The Woodhead men, champions of Yorkshire Two, face a formidable task against Yorkshire One champions Sandal with a raft of top players missing.

On top of several long-term injuries, they are also shorn of the services of skipper Ollie Akroyd (wedding) plus the working quartet of Doc Holbrough, Adam Standeven, Jamie McLaughlin and Joe MacArthur.

The team will be finalised at training tonight and the Woodhead men are also sweating on the fitness of back rower James Dale and young fly-half James Womersley, who both took knocks in the 18-17 semi-final win over Ilkley nine days ago.

If Womersley is not fit then it is likely player coach and two time Yorkshire Cup winner Nick O'Connor will take his place.

Adam Jackson and Dale Gardiner will vie for the scrum half berth left open by Holbrough. Gardiner is also in contention with James Ogden to hook.

With one eye on next season, the coaches are keen to get new signing Ollie Hawkins involved. The recent capture from Otley is likely to take a place on the bench alongside promising youngsters Luke Donlan, Kieran Nalton and Tom Hanson.

Top-of-the-ground conditions suit both sides and Sandal have a reputation as a quick team so Brods' defence will have to be at its meanest to pull off another victory against opposition from a higher level.

Old Brodleians (from): Parkin, Taylor, Nalton, Donlan, Ogden, Gardiner, Jackson, Willis, Vollans, Hawkins, Hanson, B Hoyle, Dale, Shaw, J Womersley, O'Connor, Clay, Hotham, Rowe, G Standeven, Baker, Cowling, M Hoyle.