SOUTH Woodham Ferrers and Rochford Hundred will lock horns in an intriguing local derby in London Two North East this afternoon.

Woodham have been the surprise package of the season so far, winning eight of their nine games to sit second in the table.

Rochford are currently ninth but appear to be bouncing back from a sluggish start with three victories in their last four games.

And Hundred’s director of rugby Michael Guess is keen to continue the recent turnaround in a game he believes his side will not be expected to win.

“All the pressure is off us on Saturday and it’s always nice to go into a game as the underdog,” said Guess.

“Woodham know how important the game is because they can’t afford to lose otherwise the games in hand they have won’t count for anything.

“We’re expecting a really tough game but we’re looking forward to it.”

Saturday's clash will see Guess facing his former side.

But he is not shocked to see them challenging for promotion.

“Am I surprised how well Woodham are doing? No, to be honest,” said Guess.

“They have a good team and with a couple of boys added to their squad along with others coming back from long term injuries they’re always going to be tough to beat.

“They started pre-season early which has made a big difference and they’re doing all the right things which is showing in their league position.”

Woodham are six points behind table-topping Diss which two games in hand.

And their head coach Tony Woods believes it will be an entertaining tussle at Magnolia Road this weekend.

“It’s a big week for both sides,” said Woods.

“It’s the final game of the year and we’re hoping to finish off 2016 with another win which would be nothing less than the boys deserve.

“Rochford’s ground will be packed on Saturday, there’s a big pre-match lunch taking place and lots of supporters travelling down from Woodham to show the boys how proud of them everyone in the club is.

“From the reports we’ve had Rochford are a different side from the one who came to us earlier on in the season so we need to be prepared.

“We now have 41 points from nine games which is exactly the same number of points we got in the whole of last season.

“But we have to keep it going and pick up more points.”