Former favourites, hooker Carl Mortimer and lock Richard Hill, along with prop Andy Gravil, are expected to make the trip back to their old stomping ground this weekend - the first time all three will have played at Ovenden Park since leaving the club two years ago.

Mortimer in particular is guaranteed a warm welcome, the talismanic figure earning the right to be called the most successful skipper in the club's history during the trophy-laden reign of coach Kevin McCallion.

Hill was also a popular figure as part of the South Yorkshire connection that also included scrum half Joe Bartlett, now at Bradford and Bingley who are Halifax's next opponents after Ionians on December 20.

Gravil was unlucky in that his short stint at Halifax was wrecked by a serious facial injury sustained in a home game against Redruth when the club played in National Two.

"Halifax away was the first game I looked for when the fixtures came out," said Mortimer. "It was always going to be a bit special, and I have been counting down the weeks.

"Now it is only days away and I am really buzzing about the prospect of returning to Ovenden Park.

"It will be strange after eight years at the club and there will be mixed feelings. Theirs is still the first result I look out for."

Mortimer has seen his season spoiled by injuries but is currently in form and desperate to play against his old club.

"I had an operation pre season and then I picked up a neck and shoulder problem which kept me out for a bit," he said.

"Titch (Richard Hill) has been playing well all season while Gravs has also had a few injuries and has mainly been used from the bench."

Saturday's game is vital with both clubs struggling at the wrong end of the table. However, Mortimer insists there will be no room for sentiment.

"There are important points up for grabs and so I cannot afford to be sentimental," he added.