Cleckheaton might end up looking to their old guard to help pull them to mid-table safety in National League Three North.

John Bentley, who played a full match for their second team (the Kestrels) against Bradford & Bingley last week, is on the bench for the first team tomorrow at home to West Park St Helens.

And fellow 40-year-old John Dudley, who hasn't played at all yet this season, is in the Kestrels side at Doncaster.

Although Cleck are eighth out of 14, they are only five points above a relegation berth, and on the sane number of points as West Park.

Cleckheaton spokesman Alan Bentley said: "It is a game we must win, otherwise we are in real danger of being pulled into a relegation battle."

As for the veterans, Bentley said: "John Bentley hadn't played for three weeks before last weekend, whereas John Dudley has been recovering from a shoulder injury.

"There have been all sorts of rumours about where he will be playing, including Sheffield Tigers, but he told John Bentley that he didn't want to play for anyone other than Cleckheaton."

With flanker Stuart Davies having returned to York because of travelling difficulties, the potential return of Dudley is welcome for Cleckheaton, who have been using back-row players in the second row.