Huddersfield YMCA lost their first two games but have now won eight on the bounce including inflicting Cleckheaton's only defeat so far.

As a result YM are in second place, and once the RFU impose a five point penalty on Cleckheaton they will be only three points behind the leaders.

Cleck this week lost their appeal against the points deduction. It follows an incident in a game against Malton & Norton back in April 2012 during which a Malton player suffered a serious eye injury. Cleckheaton's inability to name a guilty party effectively being the reason for the points deduction.

YM are naturally delighted with their highest ever league position having climbed out of the Yorkshire leagues with a play-off win against Guisborough last season. 

They have a team which has been together for a few seasons with a crop of younger players backed up by some lads who have been around as long as the Boatmans.

We have played them once before - back in October 2005 in the national cup when we triumphed 24-5 at Launds Hills. The Boaties featured that day as did Greg Ewards while YM also have three names from that game - Larder, Morton and Housley.

After a fortnight off we will be able to field pretty much a full strength side. Ian Pinchen returns to the front row and Liam Bailey is back in the centre. Sam Miller is also available again after his injuries and representative call-ups.

Peter Youll is the only long term injury victim after breaking his ankle, so Luke Mallinson is on the wing with Colin Cheslin resuming at full back. Greg Edwards is also back from his travels and will be on the bench alongside Andy Dixon and Chris Atkins.

West: Colin Cheslin, Scott Butcher, Andrew Cheslin, Liam Bailey, Luke Mallinson, Stu Waites, Ryan Painter, Ian Pinchen, Andrew Rollins, Adam Coates, Owen Bennett, Michael Hogan, Dan Boatman [c], Jon Boatman, Sam Miller. Reps: Andrew Dixon, Chris Atkins, Greg Edwards.

Huddersfield YMCA: Matt Johnson, Gav Stead, Dave Larder, Adam Ryder, Stu Morton, Ed Barber, Josh Willans, Josh Wrafter, Ben Hill, Steve Dyke, James Bell, Jack Housley, Tom Sharrock, Sam Hodge, Mark Whitehead. Reps: Niall Murphy, Sam Slater, Stu Dyke.