They might have played out a 0-0 draw - that rarest of scorelines in rugby union - in September but both Baildon and Yarnbury are in form going into their derby in the fifth round of the EDF Energy Junior Vase at Jenny Lane.

Baildon have won their last four league matches, while fellow Yorkshire Division Three side Yarnbury have triumphed in seven of their last eight.

That run has lifted the Horsforth club to third in the table, a mere two points behind second-placed Skipton, one of Baildon's recent victims.

Meanwhile, the Jenny Laners' trot of victories has virtually banished lingering relegation doubts and thrust them into lower mid-table.

Baildon lost seven of their opening nine league matches, and skipper Nick Lister explained: "We had a poor pre-season, with players either not turning up for training at all or coming in dribs and drabs.

"We just don't seem to be able to get it together before Christmas - maybe we should celebrate Christmas in September." Baildon are clinging to the hope that scrum half James Dawson will have recovered from the leg injury he suffered in the last minute of last Saturday's league win at Roundhegians.

But Lister has pencilled himself in as Dawson's replacement, Dave Hemming reverting to full back and player-coach Hugh Gumbs coming into the centre.

Lister said: "The lads are really looking forward to it; they are really fired up for it.

"We are expecting a hard match and we will have to graft, but the most important thing of all is to win."

Yarnbury's visit also brings former player-coach Bob Hood back to Baildon.

"That means more to some of the older lads, who will be wanting to put one over Yarnbury's coach, but it has been a talking point," admitted Lister.

Victory would put Baildon into the national last 16 and there are few doubts about the capacity of their pitch to survive the recent downpours.

However, Lister said: "We are expecting it to be heavy - maybe even a quagmire."