BRADFORD & Bingley are still getting over their latest out-of-the-norm match in North One East.

The seventh-placed Bees, whose season is in danger of tailing off, lost 50-35 at Percy Park, with much of the damage being done before they even reached the ground.

“I don’t like to make excuses, but we lost men at the 24th hour and we had to delay the kick-off because of a crash on the A1,” said Wagon Lane head coach Anthony Posa.

“We only had a 20-minute warm-up and we played the first-half like we were still on the A1.

“We were 36-7 down at half-time and I said a few choice adjectives during the interval and the boys responded.

“We got back to 36-28 and it looked like another England v Scotland game, but then we tried a silly offload, which was intercepted and although we got back to stop the try, it was at the expense of a yellow card and Percy Park cashed in.

“We hit back again but it was too late.”

The Bees are missing Will Booth and Jarman Langton, who are both involved in Yorkshire’s Under-20 County Championship quarter-final on Sunday against East Midlands at Yarnbury (2.15).

However, back come Ali Macdonald and Harry Butler for the home game against ninth-placed Malton & Norton.

Fourth-from-bottom Cleckheaton have lost all six matches against the teams below them after their 43-41 setback at now relegated Consett last weekend.

“We are generous that way,” said Cleck’s player-coach Thiu Barnard, whose sole focus is now on the home derby against third-placed Morley.

The Maroons have won their last 11 fixtures, but their most recent defeat was by 30-17 at home to Cleckheaton on December 1.

Bradford Salem, who are safe in Yorkshire Division One for another season, welcome back Ryan Smith for the home match against Dinnington, but have injury doubts over Mike MacDonald and Nick Fontaine.

Keighley, who need one point to be certain of staying up after their eye-catching 26-13 home win over Beverley, will be confident of getting something at Hullensians, who are two places below them.

Belief will also be high for Old Grovians at Yarnbury in Yorkshire Division Two.

Grovians beat leaders Goole 34-31 at Elm Tree Farm last weekend.

Struggling Baildon have a must-win home match against Halifax Vandals in Yorkshire Division Three.