Bradford Salem will face a familiar foe in their Yorkshire Division One basement battle at Ilkley on Saturday – former Bees flanker Neil Spence.

The 34-year-old back-rower, who played for Rotherham at the top level in 2000-01 and 2003-04, has moved to Stacks Field from Otley.

Yorkshire county player Spence, who represented his country at under-18 and England Counties level, was on loan at Cross Green from Rotherham.

Unfortunately he has played little for either club because of a lack of opportunities and the weather. Now he is just looking forward to playing.

The former Bradford & Bingley player, who lives in Eldwick, said: “This will probably be my last move.

“For whatever reason, things have not happened for me at either Rotherham or Otley this season.

“I had a successful pre-season trial with Rotherham but never had the opportunities there that I would have liked, and Otley didn’t use me once they got some players back from injury, so I have spent a lot of time on the bench.

“Now I am just looking forward to playing again – starting with Salem, where I will be reacquainting myself with former Bradford & Bingley coach Robin Kay.”

Bradford Salem (at Ilkley): C Savva; K Whata, J Robinson, J Booth, A Ahir; M Booth, D Howcroft; D Luxton, J Bradbury, S Davies, D Pearson, J Morrell, J Luxton, K Falwasser, C Fisher. Replacements (from): I Woodwiss, R Langhorn, J Ashworth, S Dagg.