THE history of the rivalry between Kendal RUFC and Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC is sure to have a dramatic new chapter this weekend as the two sides go head to head in a title-deciding showdown.

Separated by just two points at the head of the North One West division, the title will be decided not too long after 3pm at Mint Bridge on Saturday.

Kirkby Lonsdale have accumulated a massive 110 points from their 25 fixtures. Any other year and they would be sure to be playing national league rugby next year. This year however, that total sees them two points behind local rivals Kendal.

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The Hornet's stats this season read played 25, won 24. That one defeat coming against Kirkby in October when a late Tom Pickthall try settled proceedings at Underley Park. But a lot of rugby has been played since then and both teams have got used to the winning habit. Something is going to have to give way.

Like Kendal, Kirkby have suffered just one defeat all season. All that separates them is a draw when they were held 12-12 at Warrington in November. Irrespective of bonus points on offer, this is a true winners takes all contest.

Steve Whitehead, director of Rugby at Kendal, admits it has been hard for his players to stay focused on the job in hand as the season has drawn towards this tense finale.

"The last few games have been the same for both sides," said Whitehead.

"It's been a case of staying mentally focused and not getting too distracted too far out, and that's very difficult to do. The players don't want to get injured.

"When you've got one eye on other games it's quite difficult to stay concentrated but I've got to commend the lads and the coaches. We're lucky the lads have responded very well overall – we've come out of this a stronger squad than when it started. But this will be a very difficult game, but we haven't lost one game all season for nothing."

Whitehead added that while both teams will be fielding their strongest available line-ups, there will be no surprises.

He said: "I think the two teams know each other very well. There's only so many routes you can go down, there won't be any shocks.

"It will be a big emotional day with a huge crowd. Both teams are in a privileged position, they've both worked extremely hard and battled all year, going toe to toe in the league. Both have to be commended, it's a credit to both clubs."

As impressive as Kendal's form undeniably is, few would argue that Kirkby Lonsdale have been playing the more comfortable, free-flowing rugby in recent weeks. Captain Ben Walker insists, while the game is obviously huge for the season's outcome, the visitors on Saturday are just looking forward to the game.

He said: "It's going to be a totally different story this Saturday, it's basically a cup final. But we've been preparing really well over the last couple of weeks, we're in good form and we don't have any injuries, we're just looking forward to it and we're confident we can the result we want.

"We would prefer to be at home because it's going to be a hostile environment with a lot of people there but our boys will thrive on it. We've not gone this far to throw it away it now.

"You play sport to win and if I didn't think we could do it I wouldn't be captain – I have to believe in the boys and I definitely think we can achieve what we want to achieve.

"All respect to Kendal, they're a cracking side, but we're just looking forward to it now."

Whatever the outcome of Saturday's derby, both Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale have had monumental seasons. But while one team will have an unfancied play-off to contend with, the other will be going home with a trophy and promotion to celebrate.