Rugby Union: Baildon have retained former skipper Gary Strauss in their squad for tomorrow's Thwaites Yorkshire Division Three derby against Old Modernians at Jenny Lane.

"He played No 8 last week in our club fixture at home to an Old Brodleians XV," said Baildon coach Malcolm Lightowler.

"And his strength and experience served us well on a heavy pitch. He will definitely start tomorrow."

However, Lightowler hasn't named his team yet - only a squad of 17.

Prop Dave Skirrow is out with a back injury, and Martin Ashton and Phil Hannah are gaining more experience in the A team.

Lightowler is happy, though, that Baildon will be in the promotion shake-up at the end of the season.

"It's between three of us - Heath, Leeds Corinthians and ourselves - for the two promotion places," said Lightowler, "and we are currently second behind Heath.

"I don't think York RI will figure. They aren't as strong as last season because some of their imports have been snapped up by other local clubs."

Wibsey are without the unavailable Richard Hands at Wetherby, but have Tony Wright back in the centre after shoulder trouble. Mickey Ball reverts to flanker.

Bradford and Bingley, who conceded three pushover tries and a penalty try in their first defeat of the season at home to Morpeth on November 28, welcome another huge pack to Wagon Lane tomorrow.

Third-placed Chester are the visitors, and Colin Hay - coach of the North Division Two leaders - said: "They are an even bigger pack than Morpeth, but aren't perhaps as well-drilled.

"Our only injury doubt is lock Matt Hague, who has a strained hamstring, but I would think the squad will be the same as that which won at Lymm last weekend.

"Our prop Tom Garnett is still a few weeks away from being fit after knee trouble."

Keighley go to Old Crossleyans for a North East Division One derby without three leading members of their pack - Neil Marklew, Chris Weatherill and Mark Lister.

Marklew broke a thumb last Saturday at home to Darlington Mowden Park, Weatherill has had a minor recurrence of knee trouble, and Lister a cartilage operation.

Also hooker Neil Scott faces a fitness test on a knee injury, so Richard Walsh is on stand-by. Rob Riley comes in for Marklew, and Peter Southgate joins the second row, Simon Atkin reverting to the back row.

Bradford Salem welcome back Dave Luxton at prop for their North East Division Three home match against Ashington. He replaces promising 19-year-old James Fitch, who drops to the bench.

Cleckheaton welcome back two of their three McSwiney brothers at home to North Ribblesdale in North East Division Two.

Wayne returns at flanker having had stitches in his ear, and hooker Martin is back after being rested.

Also back are No 8 Shaun Bainbridge after recovering from a groin injury and winger Andy Foster, who is preferred to Andy Robinson.

Lafaele Filipo is back for Otley in Jewson National League One at home to Manchester. He has had shoulder trouble, Simon Smith being preferred on the wing to Chris Thornton. Wharfedale are unchanged at Reading.

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