Bradford & Bingley have had a stiff introduction to their SSE National League Three North season.

After an opening 21-6 win at Lymm, the Bees have lost to Chester, Darlington Mowden Park and Birkenhead Park, who currently occupy the top three places in the table.

But Bradford & Bingley’s director of rugby Martin Whitcombe is confident that better times are just around the corner.

He said: “Those clubs have all invested heavily but we haven’t – we have stuck to our guns about bringing through local lads.

“Also those three teams have fulfilled their potential, whereas we haven’t.”

Having said that, Whitcombe is acutely aware of the need for a five-point victory on Saturday at home to Altrincham Kersal.

It would also mark the best way to say goodbye to Grant Litt.

The former Skipton playmaker makes his last appearance for the Bees before heading Down Under.

Whitcombe said: “Grant’s wife is heavily pregnant and they will soon be going Down Under as he has a job offer in Australia.

“Grant has helped to bring the younger lads on and he would be welcome back here at any time.”

The Bees are set to be without flanker Tom Cokell (broken and dislocated thumb) for a further eight weeks and are likely to be without fellow back-rower Stewart Brewer for another fortnight with a rib injury.