A LOCAL derby between two teams in red-hot form – Saturday’s clash between Woolston Rovers and Crosfields could not be set up any better.

The cross-town neighbours meet at Monk Sports Club this weekend as the National Conference League Division One season enters its final weeks.

And with both sides in the hunt for play-off spots, there is more than just local bragging rights at stake.

Soap are third and sit a point clear of a four-team bunch behind them following a 30-12 victory over Stanningley on Saturday, with Dylon Braddish touching down for two tries.

Aaron Holliday, Ben Steele, Sam Hickey and Elliot Liku were also on the scoresheet at Hood Lane as Rob Campbell’s men recorded their third victory in a row.

And Campbell says they have taken “a good step forward” ahead of this weekend’s derby match.

“We dominated the opening 15 minutes, but only came away with four points,” he said.

“When they equalised against the run of play, we became more composed and controlled the game more professionally.

“Patience is the key against these big packs, and then have the speed and fire power to hit them when the opportunity arrives.

“Our pack contained their big guys and the backs loved the freedom gained from this.

“It puts us on a good step forward to our derby next week at Woolston.”

Woolston are five points behind their neighbours but having won four of their past five games, they are doing their bit to close the gap.

The latest of them was the most dominant, with bottom side Skirlaugh subjected to a 12-try thumping at Monk Sports Club as Rovers ran up a 72-14 scoreline.

Half of their tries came courtesy of one family, with Adam Files crossing four times while brother Harry touched down twice.

Australian forward Jackson Phillips also ran in a hat-trick and was joined on the scoresheet by Sean Kelly, Callum Harnett-Smy and James Tarpey.

It means Rovers head into the contest in fine fettle, and their head coach Liam Lawton is anticipating a blockbuster encounter.

“We were delighted with the ruthlessness we showed against Skirlaugh and we can now look forward to this Saturday’s game with Crosfields,” he said.

“These are the games that you want to be involved in. Both sides will be full of confidence and it will be the team that can maintain their composure and discipline the best who will come out on top.

“I am sure that Rob Campbell will prepare his lads well and I know from our end that the squad are really focussed on putting in a big performance that will give us a great chance of claiming another vital two league points.

“Hopefully there will be a big crowd down to watch and we cannot wait for kick off time.

“I have been absolutely delighted with the way the boys have been training and playing and we will be looking for the same on Saturday.”

The game kicks off at 2.30pm at Monk Sports Club.