Cleckheaton are much more confident about their National League Three survival hopes following last Saturday's 21-6 home victory over basement club Bedford Athletic.

So much so that the third-from-bottom club would not surprise themselves if they got something out of tomorrow's match at second-placed Macclesfield.

And the main reason for their optimism is the return to Moorend of England international scrum half Scott Benton.

"We are disappointed that we didn't get a bonus point having scored two tries in the first half into the wind, but they had quite a big pack and they had quite a lot of the ball," said Cleckheaton Sports Club chairman Alan Bentley.

"But we had more power in key positions, and Scott Benton made a massive difference, and there is more optimism about the place. We reckon we can get something out of Macclesfield. They are a good side, but we are a different side."

Bentley added of Benton: "He enabled John Dudley to play probably his best game of the season. There has been quite a bit of debate at the club about whether John Dudley or Oliver Akroyd should be starting at No 8, but they are two very different sorts of players. However, on a muddy pitch in the middle of January I would rather John be there than Ollie."

The only change for Cleckheaton tomorrow is the return of John Bentley on the wing in place of Dave Chester. The former British Lion missed last week's game because of a long-standing wedding.

As far as the league table goes, Alan Bentley said: "With ourselves winning and Rugby having five points deducted, they and any one below them could be sucked into the relegation battle."

Bedford Athletic (ten points), Dudley Kingswinford (19) and Cleckheaton (20) currently occupy the three relegation places, but above them are Darlington (21), Blaydon (24), Kendal (27), Darlington Mowden Park (30) and Rugby (30).

Fifth-placed Otley continue their pursuit of a high finish in National League One with a trip to Bedford, who are only above them on points difference.

"We are relying on the same squad that took care of Rotherham, Orrell and Nottingham, and to finish fifth would be a magnificent achievement," said Otley's secretary Marc Lawrence.

Second-placed Bradford Salem are wary of their trip to Scarborough in a re-arranged Yorkshire Division Two match. "We beat them 41-0 in November, but they had car accidents on the way here and were weakened anyway," said Salem's Neil Klenk.

Keighley include Rob Ellis, brother of Leicester Tigers' scrum half Harry, in the second row at home to Old Brodleians in a club match. Rob is a doctor at Airedale Hospital. Richard Cavender is at fly half, giving Johnny Harrison bench rest.

Baildon were due to play Leeds Corinthians in a Yorkshire Silver Trophy tie at Jenny Lane, but they have a re-arranged league match against Hessle. Baildon play two club matches instead, splitting their resources.