Rugby Union: The theory goes that it's best to play a team in mid-table - sides that have too many points to go down, but not enough to go up - at this time of year.

It's the kind of talk, however, that Huddersfield could blow a hole in tomorrow at Wagon Lane.

They may only be seventh in the table with 18 points, but are arguably the in-form team, along with opponents Bradford and Bingley, in Thwaites North Division Two.

"We have changed personnel quite a lot since Bradford and Bingley beat us 30-13 at Lockwood Park in the first league match of the season on September 5," said Huddersfield's Director of Rugby Simon Irving.

"And it's taken us a long time for things to come together, but we certainly aren't lacking in motivation.

"We won 30-23 at second-placed Driffield a fortnight ago, and beat quite a strong Hull Ionians team 28-25 away in a club match last Saturday.

"Although I think Bradford and Bingley are going to win the title, I think we are quite capable of victory tomorrow.

"Former Welsh international fly half Colin Stephens joined us from Leeds in December, and we tend to run the show - both on and off the field."

The ex-Leeds and Keighley Cougars centre added: "We also have signed full back Craig Rika (former Cleckheaton RU and Wakefield Trinity and Halifax Blue Sox RL), hooker Leon Treco (Leeds RU Development Team) and South African prop John MacRidis."

The Bees have two very good reasons for winning themselves, however - another victory would seal promotion to North One and would provide a perfect send-off for scrum half Peter Watts, who returns to New Zealand on Monday.

Asa Firth is absent with a medial ligament injury, so Chris Hemsley gets a wing berth. Andy Smith keeps his place at prop after a fine display in the 51-16 thrashing of York a fortnight ago.

Baildon coach Malcolm Lightowler is completely disregarding the league table when his side visit Wibsey in Yorkshire Division Three.

"Wibsey may already have been relegated and we are chasing promotion, but I will be surprised if there is more than five points between us at the end of the match," he said.

"They have only pride to play for and always raise their game against us.

"Plus they will want to show that if we meet in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy final we will have another game on our hands."

Baildon welcome back hooker Simon Gillson, who moved house to Berkshire last weekend but who will see the season out with the Jenny Laners.

Absent from their squad of 17, however, are prop Martin Ashton and centre Mick Kenny (both unavailable) and winger Richard Moorhouse and hooker Dave Skirrow (squad rotation).

Ex-Ilkley and Leeds winger Sean Gilbert makes his seasonal debut for Wharfedale in their Jewson National League One clash at Henley, flanker Russ Buckroyd regaining the flanker's jersey and Dennis Wood returning at lock.

Keighley and Bradford Salem are in much the same position - needing a couple of wins to make themselves secure.

Salem have a tough clash at second-placed West Hartlepool TDSOB in North East Division Three, and are without full back Joe Simpson (Bulls Under-21 duty) and John Hall (injured).

Keighley are at home to bottom-of-the-table Durham City in North East One, and should win, especially as centre Danny Mavro, scrum half Martin Uren, prop John Duffy and flanker Mark Lister all return.

Cleckheaton have Ian Gatenby back at scrum half for the home match against Wheatley Hills, who are one of their rivals for third place in North East Two.

Aireborough are at full strength for their Yorkshire Division Four derby at Burley.

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