Martin Whitcombe cut a frustrated figure last weekend as Bradford and Bingley’s winning run came to abrupt halt.

The Bees had won three in a row in SSE National League Three North before last weekend’s 23-11 loss at West Hartlepool, when an intercepted pass resulted in Whitcombe’s men losing their bonus point and eventually the match.

The director of rugby at Wagon Lane was particularly upset by the tame nature of the team’s defeat.

He said: “It’s the third time it’s happened this season (an intercepted pass leading to a score and loss of a bonus point) and those three points that we haven’t picked up nearly equate to another win.

“We’d managed to build a winning run but the manner of how we lost was very disappointing.

“They had more heart and spirit than us on the day, which was the most disappointing thing.”

One positive ahead of Saturday's derby against Sandal is the return of veteran Kiwi prop Ryan Wederell, who came off the bench last Saturday.

Whitcombe admits his recovery has been well timed ahead of this weekend’s game. He added: “It’s excellent news with his age and experience to have him fit again – it’s come at the perfect time for us.

“We’ve had a long chat about it and I’m pretty relaxed about our defence really.

"I think stability in the team is the key and we’re getting there in that respect.

“There isn’t a stand-out team in the division and anyone can beat anyone on their day.

“But we’re going to have to make some changes because we were well below par.”