Cleckheaton know they probably won't have former England international scrum half Scott Benton all season.

But they hope the ex-Morley, Gloucester and Leeds Tykes half-back, pictured, can stay long enough to give their bid for promotion from North Division One an early boost.

"Scott hasn't decided whether he wants to play full-time rugby," said Cleckheaton's finance committee chief Alan Bentley.

"But we will be glad of him for however long he stays, and his presence is particularly appreciated as Gary Smith - scrum half last season - is suspended until September 22."

Other new faces at Moorend are former Rotherham second-row John Dudley, signed from Harrogate, Otley centre Mark Billington, Sandal and Morley fly half Mark Sales, Wharfedale back-row Richard Maunder and Huddersfield winger Jon Bell.

Among those to have left are fly half Carl Patterson and second-row Richard Wilson (both to Hull), while his brother Andrew, also a lock, has gone to Australia. Flanker or No 8 Craig West has announced his retirement, but the prospect of playing alongside former Rotherham team-mate Dudley might prove too tempting.

Otley's mission is merely to survive in National League One, and they have signed props Kristyan Fullman and Justin Wring from Leeds Tykes.

Their big-name signing, however, is former Wakefield and Rotherham scrum half Dave Scully.

Now reaching veteran status, he has shone on the sevens stage for England.

Other newcomers at Cross Green are scrum half Michael Aspinall (Saracens) and winger Richard Butler (Aspatria), and they have re-signed Scott Connor from Moortown. Three players have been promoted from Otley Saracens - full back or centre Philip Howell, who has already proved his worth in Australian state rugby, prop Chris Booth and second row Martin Keeler.

Keighley, promoted to Yorkshire Division One, have been boosted by the return of a trio of players from South Africa - No 8 Morgan Bailey, scrum half Ian Woodwiss and back row John Gibson.

Matt Gaffney is back from Huddersfield to compete for the No 15 shirt, and Nathan Smalley is bidding for a back-row berth having had spells at the Bees and Wharfedale. Giving them more choice in the vital position of prop are Jack McPhail (back in the North having played in the South East) and Tom McArthur (back from university).

Bradford Salem, like Keighley, are trying to make an impression in a higher division - this time Yorkshire Division Two.

They have re-signed utility player Damien Cope from Wibsey, and have also signed Bees prop Mark Smith and Banbury winger Vinny Dunlop.

Also moving to Shay Lane are Dudley Hill and Gateshead Thunder centre or wing Matt Chapman and former Bradford Grammar School trio Dave Howcroft (scrum half), Steve Dagg (back row) and Jonny Wright (flanker).

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