HUDDERSFIELD are hoping a weekend off could make all the difference in the world.

Player-coach Mark Sowerby's side entertain North I leaders Caldy tomorrow (2.15) looking to seek revenge for a 32-3 defeat at the same opponents a month ago.

But while the Yorkshiremen spent last weekend re-charging their batteries, Caldy were working hard to secure a 43-20 Intermediate Cup triumph over North II West side Aspatria.

Sowerby is still smarting from that League defeat on November 11, and is hoping that the events of a week ago will prove decisive.

"Although we were disappointed to lose up at Kendal in the Cup and didn't have a game last weekend, we're hoping it proves a blessing in disguise," said Sowerby.

"We were pretty battered and bruised leading up to our last game at Beverley 13 days ago.

"So I think a break came at just the right time.

"There's definitely been an extra spring in the step of everyone in training this week, and I hope that's reflected in the performance this weekend.

"We know it's going to be very tough against Caldy, but we're really looking forward to this re-match.

"The first half we produced in the game over there was really good, and we were unlucky to be 8-0 down at the break.

"But in the second half we let ourselves down with our first-up defence, and we have to make sure we don't do it again.

"That's an area we've worked on in training, and we've been delighted with what we've seen.

"I think it's a mental thing rather than anything physical, so if we make sure we're right between the ears I'm sure we'll give a good account of ourselves.

"Our defence was pretty good at Beverley (Huddersfield narrowly lost 13-10) and we have to make sure we build on that tomorrow.

"Putting in a top performance against the League leaders would set us up perfectly for the new year."

The weekend off has also enabled the squad to freshen themselves up for the battles ahead, with Sowerby able to report an almost clean bill of health.

In fact, the only players ruled out are through non-injury related reasons.

They are back-rower Hamish Pratt, who is away on honeymoon, and prop Neil Pollock.

The front-rower has been ill for a fortnight with blood poisoning and will be replaced in the starting line-up by Jack McPhail.

In Pratt's absence, Gavin Jones has been doing an outstanding job, and Sowerby believes McPhail is an equally-effective deputy.

"Being without Neil is bad news, and we all hope he's back to full fitness as quickly as possible," added Sowerby.

"We're just lucky we've got someone like Jack to step in.

"He never lets us down and will always dig in, and that's the sort of qualities which everyone will need to show against Caldy."

Huddersfield: Metcalfe; Taylor, Paxman (B), Paxman (L), Shaw; Johnson, Clayton; McPhail, Gough, Stringwell, Barnard, Hinchliff, Jones, Whitehead, Sowerby. Subs: Wickett, Rotchell, Chatta.

Falcons (Driffield, home, 2.15. Meet 1pm): Swift; Davies, Carter, Prescott, O'Toole; Ainsworth, Rothery; Thorpe, Davies, Smith, Nield, Bodsworth, Shiel, Doyne, Sharrock. Subs: Wilson, Harris, Quarmby, Smith, Baxter.

Academy (Scunthorpe, home, noon. Meet 10.45): Chirwa; O'Toole, Donlan, Cox, Morgan; Booth, Ainsworth; Thorpe, Davies, Smith, Nield or Harris, Bodsworth, Smith, Wise, Sharrock. Subs: Quarmby (S), Quarmby (J), Slater, Joyce, Dearman, Rowan, Brook.