DESPITE having escaped relegation from National League Three North last season by winning eight of their last 12 matches, Cleckheaton were widely tipped to go down this campaign.

However, they are third in the table with two wins from three, a resurgence which has not been a surprise to those inside the club.

Rugby chairman Neil Gillan said: “We have beaten Stockport, who are expected to be the rubbing rags of the division, and Morley, but we should also have defeated Lymm in our first match.

“We have lost Michael Piper in the backs, but gained Neil Chivers, which is an improvement, but we also have Jack Bickerdike, who played there last season, who can also play scrum half.

“He wasn’t able to play in any of the pre-season games as he is doing a house up, but he got 20 minutes off the bench last week and is building up his fitness tomorrow with the Kestrels at Ilkley, and I am sure that he will be in the picture over the next few weeks.”

Ilkley, who are sixth in the table and lost 17-13 at Moorend last season, are tomorrow’s visitors for a second straight derby for Cleckheaton, who won 42-24 at Morley last week.

Cleckheaton have scored 114 points in three matches, which has only been bettered by Billingham (145) in this section, and Gillan added: “Our coach Scott Benton has embedded a style that is more dynamic. Our backs are running in tries at the moment and are looking as threatening as they used to do when John Bentley was playing.

“Opposition have also praised us for the fitness of our backs compared to theirs, while some clubs are saying that we will struggle when the mud comes, which am I sure No 8 Richard Piper, who has been top try-scorers for a few seasons now, will have something to say about.”

Cleckheaton are waiting for a late fitness test on full back James Wilson (shoulder), while Bradford & Bingley are hoping that talismanic fly half Gerhard Nortier has recovered from sickness to face visitors Pocklington in North One East.

“We have won one, drawn one and lost one so far,” said the Bees’ director of rugby Martin Whitcombe, “but travelling north of Newcastle for some away games is having an effect., with over three hours on a coach.”

Old Grovians are without unavailable full back Anthony Griffin for their Yorkshire Division Two match at Wetherby but he should be available next week after bruising a shin.

Cleckheaton (home to Ilkley) from: J Wilson; M Hayward, M Woodhead, Matt Piper, J Hall; R Evans, N Chivers; P Turner,N Jackson, A Piper, R Piercy, L Pearson, D Vento, R Piper, T Austin, J Seddon, B Marsden, J Carly, K Downs.