Many Northern Division clubs will be feeling the pinch on Saturday - not from the weather but from the Rugby Football Union's fixture re-arranger.

It was supposed to be a non-league date but league fixtures that weren't played last weekend have been put back seven days, meaning several players are unavailable.

Cleckheaton, for example, who face Birkenhead Park for the second week in succession, have been weakened.

Utility back John Bentley, scrum half Dominic Castle and forward Carl Mason are all missing the North Division One clash against Park, who defeated Cleckheaton 27-0 on the Wirral last Saturday in the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup.

With county second row Martin Smith returning to Halifax, Cleckheaton are fortunate that they can call on another former Ovenden Park man Lee Brown to replace him.

Cleckheaton spokesman Alan Bentley said: "It is an important game for us. Yes, they have a good set of forwards but they are not as good in the backs as Kendal."

Cleckheaton: R Hayden; M Callaghan, T Lauriston, M Billington, S Bradshaw; O Edwards, M Piper; M Chivers, S Worsley, J Lamptey, L Brown, J Dudley, R Burrows, L Hamilton, J South. Replacements: G Turton, R Piper, J Sargeant.