Baildon Runners are set for their best set of results in the West Yorkshire Winter League.

After the third of the five events on January 5 at Skipton, they lie an unprecedented third in the ten-team league.

Emma Stoney and Emma Hinkles, having both missed the opening race, have now led Baildon to successive third spots in the ladies' rankings.

Stoney was fifth individually at Skipton and Hinkles ninth, while Kirsty Allen has scored steadily in all three races, with four ladies scoring.

Otherwise, Stainland Lions have dominated the ladies' (and men's) table, though Pudsey Pacers' Karen Pickles and Michelle Tenwick are giving Stainland's Mags Beever a run for her money in the individual standings.

Among the men, Baildon's Quentin Lewis is in the individual silver position, behind Stainland's Gavin Mulholland.

However, Ben Mounsey was the winner of the Skipton race and threatens to jump above both of them after the last event at his home course, Stainland Rec.

Skipton AC's Julian Hood currently lies a close third, and he has helped pull Skipton from the foot of the rankings to a healthy mid-table position.

Queensbury have consolidated in their second year in the league.

Their male vets, led by Martin Firth, Darren Midgley and Pete Hughes have performed strongly, helped by youngster Chris Williams, who lies fifth overall individually.

Queensbury's ladies are beginning to contribute well, led by Anna Smith, who formerly ran for Baildon.

Baildon had a remarkable 43 runners out at Skipton. It meant they were close behind Pudsey Pacers on the day, and it extended their lead over Leeds-Bradford Triathlon club.

With the next race at Temple Newsam on January 26, the team standings are: 1 Stainland (5052pts); 2 Pudsey Pacers (4875); 3 Baildon (4362); 4 Leeds-Bradford Triathlon (4335); 5 Dewsbury (4180); 6 Skipton (4177); 7 Stadium Runners, Huddersfield (4000); 8 Queensbury (3786); 9 Craven Energy Tri-club (3222); 10 Idle AC (1864).