Coach Colin Hay has injury and suspension problems as Bradford & Bingley look for revenge in tomorrow's league match against Hull Ionians at home tomorrow.
The Bees will be without two second row forwards, suspended Mark Heap and the injured Barry Clarke (broken jaw). Clarke will be out for the rest of the season. Andy Murphy plays despite a broken nose.
Into the side comes Ben Grange while, in a further pack re-shuffle from the side beaten 40-27 at Blaydon, John Vinnicombe will play tight head prop and Sam Halligan who is on loan from Otley will be loose head. The backs and half backs are unchanged.
Hay said: "Hull Ionians knocked us out of the NPI Cup in December so we hope we can take revenge. The score was 21-15 so there wasn't much in it."
There is an extra incentive for the Bees. For, while leaders Tynedale look like winning the Thwaites Division North One title and promotion, Ionians are second while Bees are close behind in third place.
To finish runners-up would not give the Bees promotion, but it would be a fine achievement.
Hay said: "We are quite happy with the way the season has gone. We said at the start that if we could stay in this league anything over and above that would be a bonus."
After calling off their league match against Halifax last Saturday because of injuries, Keighley play a friendly at home to Pontefract. Coach Martin Whitcombe said: "We need a competititive game before we play Percy Park at home in the league next Saturday."
Baildon visit Otley thirds in a friendly but Bradford Salem have no match.
Wharfedale take a near full strength team to Kendal for the return leg of these annual fixtures. Kendal who are leaders of Jewson Two North will be keen to test their promotion credentials against the Division One form team. Wharfedale rest Charlie Vyvyan and give Sam Allen a place in the starting line-up.
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article