THEY are known as the code breakers. Four players who have changed their rugby allegiance from League to Union.

Craig Carpendale, Steve Ansell, Chris Thomas and Lee Hird have swapped the 13-man code for the 15-man variety.

And West Craven Warriors loss is Colne and Nelson's gain because they are pretty damn good.

"They are like a breath of fresh air," said club captain John Tindall. "They have come in and given all of us a lift -- they've also dropped the average age of the side!"

The fab four have quickly established themselves in the first team and have played an integral part in Colne and Nelson's rise up North Lancs Division Two, which has given them an outside chance of promotion.

"They're still learning on their feet," added Tindall. "But they have adapted very well to the game. They have been a Godsend."

While the four admit they have not turned their back on Rugby League they are enjoying the challenge that Union presents.

"It took a while to learn the rules," said 21-year-old full back Lee Hird, a former Keighley academy player. "And to be honest, I'm still learning.

"Kicking for touch is something you don't do in League and I'm still wanting to run the ball out of defence and crash in to the first opponent I come across.

"Union is a slower game and is concentrated more around the forwards. But I think we are all doing well."

Hird, who was first team captain at West Craven before the club folded, said they have added a touch of the League game to their new Union code.

He added: "They are a great bunch at Colne and Nelson and they are prepared to listen to some of our ideas. I'd like to think we have brought some fresh moves to the team and it seems to be working very well."

Hird admits he did try to fix himself up with a League side before following Carpendale and Ansell in to the Holt House fold.

He said: "I went over to Keighley with Chris but they did not make us welcome. So we came over to Colne and we are having a great time.

"I'm looking forward to the tour to the Isle of Man at the end of the month so us League lads can do a bit more bonding with the Union boys."

While wingers Ansell and Thomas have 10 tries between them this season, flanker Carpendale seems to be the player who has adapted best -- although he has had he most to learn.

"Scrummaging is different while I have had to get used to rucks and mauls. But I am really enjoying it."

And it seems he's doing a decent job too.

For the 21-year-old, who was voted best defensive player for three years running at West Craven, has already picked up two man of the match awards in his brief spell in Union.

He said: "It was my job to make the tackles in League and that was a big part of my game. I don't seem to make so many tackles in Union but I think I am doing alright."

Hird believes that one day both codes will become one but until that day he is happy to argue about which game is best.

"There is always plenty of banter between us and the Union boys," he said. "They can't tackle very well so we show them how it is done in training!"

See, West Craven's lose is Colne and Nelson's gain.