FIXTURES don't come much more fascinating than Kendal's clash with Wharfedale at Mint Bridge on Saturday.

These two sides know more about the other more than anyone in National Division 2 and how that knowledge can be pieced together to formulate a winning strategy has been the focus since the frost put paid to last weekend's entire fixture-list.

The freeze-up meant that Kendal missed meeting Fylde at home while Wharfedale had to forego what would have been a highly informative showdown at league leaders Rugby Lions.

It's fair to assume that the Dales side are keener than ever to put one over Kendal.

After all they were outmauled and outwrestled in a 21-14 defeat in Threshfield mud back at the end of September.

It ended their proud unbeaten home record going back for over a year, but you could argue Kendal did them a favour.

Following that galling reversal, the Greens were spurred to winning six of their seven matches - the only blip coming when losing at home again to Nottingham.

Kendal's Director of Rugby Chris Hayton said: "It's crucial at this stage of the seasonand Kendal are under no illusion just how important this derby could be to the fortunes of both clubs.

"Pressure is going to be the key and we're going to have to play up in people's faces, reduce their options and make sure they don't develop any momentum.

"We've got to be a Black and Amber rash all over them.

Wharfedale had suffered a couple of early shocks, he said, after starting the season as title favourites after just missing out last year, but had got their heads back on and were getting the results.

"We've no illusion about how difficult the game will be.

"They're still smarting from the previous defeat by us on their own patch which ended their unbeaten home run that had lasted from the previous September.

"We have got to make sure we've got plenty or weapons in our armoury for this one."

Coach Peter Kremer, was in hopsital undergoing a bout of chemotherapy treatment this week, but all being well will be at Saturday's match.

He said:" We were stung by a very disappointing, below-par performance at Newbury and we realise that Wharfedale is an enormous game for both sides.

"I don't think Wharfefdle played up to their true potential last time we met.

Our defence was excellent and we got it right tactically on the day, but it's likely to be a different proposition this time.

"Both sides go back a long way and we are close in mentality and outlook.

"People have often point to the similiarities in style and Wharfedale have done very well for themselves and in the right sort of way.

"We are both semi-rural areas and not high-rollers financially and for both clubs there will be a lot at stake.

"At the end of the season we will probably look back upon this match as one of the plum derby game of the season and a big crowd is expected."