Almost three months since they last won a game and lying third from the bottom, Cleckheaton sank to a sorry 35-0 defeat on their own ground against West Park St Helens, one place below, who had not previously won away from home.

A review of the game on their own website doesn't pull any punches.

It declared: "A season which began with optimism, changed into realism and since Christmas has degenerated into utter pessimism.

"The little matter of playing with pride, both for the club and for themselves, seemed to be severely lacking."

So, then, it's two easy points in the bag for the table-topping Shieldsmen – sponsored by Dunes Adventure Island – as they begin the final four-game spurt in the race for the North One crown?

Predictably, that is not how captain Gareth Nesbit sees it at all.

There are, as he has often stressed, too many banana skins littering this level of rugby to ever take anything for granted.

He said: "Cleckheaton are a proud club and, as a matter of pride, you can bet they will want to bounce back after what happened last week.

"And who better to do it against than the team at the top of the league? So we are not going to read anything into their recent form.

"Certainly, they will have plenty of motivation, but then so have we and that is all we will be focused on. We have worked too long and too hard to let things slip now."

The Wood Terrace faithful will be hoping that Middlesbrough, who as hosts toppled Westoe a fortnight ago, will now do them a great favour by similarly disposing of Hull, who are just two points behind in second place.

Sheffield Tigers, also in contention, will, however, much fancy their chances at West Park despite last week's win.

Back in the First XV fold is big, strong and aggressive back or second row forward Micky Holland, who last played in October 2007, after which his job took him away from the area.

Since his return, Micky, 30, who came to Westoe from Durham City nine years ago, has trained hard and had several good outings with the seconds.

He is named in a squad from which tomorrow's side will be selected.

Nesbit said: "You could never doubt his total commitment and, what's more, we know him and he knows us, and so, if the call comes, he should fit back in easily.

"It is very comforting at a time when every game is so important to be surrounded by so many players who have either come through the club's ranks or who, like Micky, now regard themselves as dedicated Westoe men. That is a very big positive."

The game is being sponsored by Norman and Joan Jensen, of South Shields-based Jensen Construction Ltd

* There is the chance on Sunday to give valuable and vocal support to the upcoming generation of players when the Chris Marlow-sponsored Colts confront Middlesbrough in the Northern regional final of the National Under-19 Cup at Wood Terrace (kick-off 1pm).

Victory would mean that these young men, who have shown plenty of gumption as well as flair to vanquish Otley, Moortown and Keighley along the way, go forward into the last four nationwide.

Manager Raymond Bays said: "The lads have not only played superbly to get so far, but have also, by their conduct off the field, been most impressive ambassadors for the club.

"This will be a very big game for them and they deserve all the support and goodwill they can get."

* Duty committeeman David Barnes, 46, rose above and beyond the call on Saturday when, at the last moment, he was hustled into playing for the Seconds in their league match against visitors Berwick after prop Chris Jones was drafted into the Thirds for a crucial Durham Cup semi-final at Winlaton.

The doughty David, a formidable First team player in his day, dashed home to get his gear and then acquitted himself well on the field for 30 minutes as his team cruised to a 63-15 win.

* The Seconds are on Candy League duty at West Hartlepool and the Thirds and Fourths both confront Ponteland opponents, respectively, away and at Oakleigh Gardens.