VICTORY in this weekend's derby match with Penrith would put automatic promotion almost within Kendal's grasp.

The Black and Ambers' 18th unbeaten outing against Cleckheaton last Saturday means that Huddersfield are now the only possible challengers for the outright North Division One title and the Yorkshire side are four points adrift with four games left to play.

Going into tomorrow's keenly-anticipated match with old rivals Penrith Kendal also have a massive points difference advantage of 123 over Huddersfield.

If Penrith can be beaten Kendal could only be robbed of the title if they lost their remaining matches, at Birkenhead Park (March 29), Altrincham Kersal (April 12) and at home to Sheffield Tigers (April 19) by substantial margins - and that is extremely unlikely when the Mint Bridge side have time and again demonstrated that they have the toughest defence in the league.

Yet Penrith will be no pushovers and the expected large, vociferous, home crowd is likely to be swelled by a sizeable and equally partisan contingent from the north of the county anxious to see their side, with its sprinkling of Kendal old boys, settle some scores.

It is also a vital match for Penrith for although they are at the foot of the table, just two points separate the bottom four sides.

Kendal will be without their regular fly-half and prolific place-kicker Dan Stephens, who was injured in a clash of heads as he went in for a tackle at Cleckheaton - a worry for the side as he only returned to the side this year after being sidelined for two seasons by a concussion injury.

Kiwi Hoani Moore steps up to fill Stephens' fly-half role and will relish the chance to shine as Kendal's dominance this season has given him a relatively quiet, but solidly efficient, time as the side's first choice full back.

Chris Park moves from the right wing to take the No.15 shirt, making space for highly-regarded former Loughborough Students player Matt Gracie.

Kick-off for this Russell Armer-sponsored match is at 3pm and the squad is: Forwards: B. Coxon, D. Green, R.

Harryman; L. Hayton, G. Gore; A. Hudson, N. McKain, M. Wilson.

Backs: J. Gough, H. Moore: L. Ladell, I. Voortman (captain), J. Ladell, M. Gracie; C. Park.

Replacements: A. Martindale, R.

Quarry, D. Murray.