WE ARE only into our second round of rugby fixtures and already there promises to be a humdinger of a game as Isle of Wight RFC lock horns with Ventnor tomorrow (Saturday).

The Counties 3 Hampshire match, at Wootton Rec, is likely to attract a big crowd, with more than bragging rights at stake.

Both sides have not got off to the best of starts — losing their opening fixtures, but at least picking up a bonus point apiece.

The forecast is set to be fair, after a week of heavy rain, which should make playing conditions quite lush.

Not only the first teams facing off in their derby, the second teams also face each other in Counties 5 South simultaneously, with Ventnor off to a great start beating Portsmouth III away.

This will be Isle of Wight II's first match of the season.

Isle of Wight RFC secretary Kieran Leahy said the club is looking forward to the derby and their first home game of the season.

'We're marking the occasion with a vice-presidents' lunch and, with England's rugby World Cup match televised after our games (first and second teams) finish, we're expecting a big crowd at the club," Kieran said.

"There were good aspects of our play at Overton — and other elements that need to improve — but quite a few players come back into the reckoning for selection this week, which will help.

"We've also picked up a few new players during the off-season, some of whom will be involved for both sides.'

Ventnor firsts are equally looking forward to the battle with the 'old enemy'.

Club spokesman, James Morton, said: "It’ll be a great day at Wootton. Both first teams lost their first league match, so skipper, Lewis Jones, is looking forward to a good performance to ignite Ventnor’s season.

"Pre-season training was well attended and very positive, with new players coming into the fold and showing great promise."

After their huge win last Saturday against Winchester II, the Hurricanes are in action at Basingstoke, who also, albeit narrowly, won their opener too, which promises to make it a fascinating game.

In Counties 4B, Sandown and Shanklin seconds will be travelling to Basingstoke too to face their seconds with a good opening day win over Farnborough under their belt.