The two form teams of Yorkshire Division One go head to head in a clash that may well decide the destiny of this season’s title race on Saturday.

Ilkley, who have won 14 and drawn one of their last 15 league games, visit Dinnington who top the table by five points after recording 11 straight wins since their 29-27 defeat at Stacks Field in November.

The Dalesmen do have a game in hand on their rivals, but Dinnington appear to have the easier run in to the end of the campaign.

It promises to be quite a battle and old friendships will be set aside for 80 minutes as Ilkley’s head of rugby Rhys Morgan and Dinnington coach Craig West pit their wits against each other.

The two men are great pals and Morgan hasn’t forgotten the help West gave him earlier in his career.

“When I was coach at Halifax he was coaching Rotherham and helped me out in some difficult times” said Morgan “I haven’t forgotten what he did then, but on Saturday we will both be desperate for our sides to win what is a huge game.

“It will be a tough contest. Going to Dinnington is never easy at any time and especially now they are top of the league.”

To give their team a boost, Ilkley officials are providing a supporters coach and are optimistic that many more will make the trip to South Yorkshire for the biggest game of the club’s season.

Ilkley’s followers will be hoping to witness the kind of performance that swept Bridlington aside 56-0 last Saturday.

“That was a tremendous display,” said Morgan. “The players stuck to the game plan, our strategies and defensive systems. I hope we can produce a similar performance on Saturday.

“Obviously, Dinnington will be a far stronger side than Bridlington, but if we can play with the same focus and control we have every chance of getting the result we want.

“The league title is our aim and Dinnington stand between us and that objective. We have to be up to the test.”

One player who is set to miss the big clash is flanker Gus Ramsay. He was injured against Bridlington so recent Australian recruit Nick Carolan could revert to his favoured back row position with Ollie Renton a likely choice alongside in-form Pete Small in the second row.

“We will take a good look at all our options after training tonight,” said Morgan. “We have to make sure we consider all the aspects carefully.

“It is such an important match that we have to get our preparation right in all areas.”