Rugby Union: Bradford and Bingley, whose two-point lead has become a two-point deficit in Thwaites North Division Two, are desperate for a win tomorrow.

The Bees are hoping to end a three-match losing run with the home fixture against second-from-bottom Alnwick.

An NPI Cup defeat at home to Northern has been sandwiched between league defeats at home to Morpeth and at leaders Driffield.

Bees coach Colin Hay was only able to name his team last night, and said today: "Lock matt Hague has recovered from a shoulder injury, and our new prop Richard Thomas has done likewise from a knee problem.

"Our only change therefore is that John Vinnicombe has come in at prop for Paul McCumiskey who suffered a back strain at Driffield.

"But neither hooker Peter Scott, who has been suspended for four weeks, nor centre Chris Hemsley, who has been suspended for seven, will be available until the end of January.

"And prop Tom garnett's worry is a medial knee ligament, so he could be out for a further three weeks.

"We didn't have the pack strength to cope with Morpeth, but we were unlucky in a sense at Driffield. We were leading 14-6 and had a 20-minute spell on attack, but didn't score when another try would have killed them off.

"However, if you don't score when you have those kind of opportunities, you don't deserve to win."

Bradford Salem have niggling injuries, and have delayed selection for their first round Independent Agriculture Yorkshire Shield tie at Ilkley.

Baildon have named a full squad of 21 - they can name six replacements - for the Yorkshire Silver Trophy first round tie at home to Skipton.

The teams met at Jenny Lane last weekend in Yorkshire Division Three, Baildon winning 35-7, but Skipton hooker Neil King said: "I don't think there was that much difference in the skill levels of the team - just the attitude and commitment."

Baildon skipper Phil Wilson, due to rest anyway, is out for a fortnight with a right knee injury, but lock Richard Crooks is back after missing last week's clash.

Experienced hooker Nigel Craven returns to the Aireborough side for their tough tie at Heath.

Wharfedale give a start to Paul Evans in their home Jewson National League One match against Newbury.

Second row Evans has now fully recovered from the broken wrist bone he suffered at the start of the season.

The Dalesmen's two other changes are Dan Harrison at scrum half, having come on as a replacement in the last two matches, and loose-head prop Richard Lancaster returns after injury. The trio who are replaced - Dennis Wood, David Whitfield and John Metcalfe - are on the bench.

Otley, who recall centre Wayne Hartley after illness, are expecting a tough battle at Lydney, who they meet for the second time in four weeks in the league. Sam Gardner is the back to drop out.

Keighley should have been facing Roundhegians in a club match, but the Leeds club have pulled out because they don't feel their side is strong enough. Instead they are at home to Cleckheaton, and the hosts give a full debut to colts scrum half James Kubran, as Martin Uren is not available.

Gary Davey is at full back for David Proud (leg injury), and Mark Lister returns to the back row after illness. Colts prop Jack McPhail is on the bench.

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