SOMETIMES you wonder whether there is any community spirit left in the world.

But the response to the arson attack on Wibsey Rugby Club's equipment container at Northfield Road last Friday makes you emphatically realise that there is.

Inside were post protectors, touchline flags, tackle shields, a line marking machine and more, but offers of replacements have come from so many clubs that it is difficult for the Yorkshire Division Three outfit to remember just who has offered what, let alone thank them all.

Wibsey's chairman Steve Brooke, whose team have a home derby against Ossett tomorrow, said: "I sometimes have a dig about rugby league because I am so pro rugby union, but the local clubs, such as West Bowling, Wyke, Bradford Dudley Hill and Queensbury, plus Rochdale Cobras ARLFC and Bradford Bulls, have been fantastic.

"Rugby union clubs have also been superb, with last Saturday's opponents Halifax Vandals helping by donating the proceeds from last Saturday's match-day raffle and having free reign on their lock-up for equipment for this weekend.

"Ossett, plus the RFU, have also offered help, as have Westwood Juniors Football Club and local businesses such as the Upper George pub, Garden Shed, The Hooper Micropub, and the methodist church. The offers have been endless so sorry if I have missed anyone out."

Brooke added: "Ironically we borrowed a line-marking machine from Dudley Hill, who had in turn borrowed it from somebody else, so we will have that to replace as well.

"We have been offered post protectors and flags and balls - the ones from Bradford Bulls are balder than our No 8 Michael Kite - but they will do for training.

"Thankfully we weren't playing at home last weekend otherwise it would have been an absolute nightmare

"We are insured but it will just take time. It was a rotten weekend for us, but the help we have been offered from both codes has been amazing. Massive thanks to everyone for the messages of support."

Wibsey, who are ninth, face eighth-placed Ossett on the back of a 15-5 defeat at Vandals, failing to take advantage of the hosts having a player sin-binned after the interval.

Ryan Smith, who had two good runs in the first half, was Wibsey's man of the match.

Ossett's match at home to Old Otliensians was abandoned due to the host club's winger Mark Fisher breaking both his tibia and fibula.