IT is derby day for south east Essex rugby tomorrow as Westcliff take on Thurrock in London One North and Canvey Island host Rochford Hundred in London Two North East.

Westcliff are enjoying a fantastic season and are currently 12 points clear at the top of the table.

They will therefore be confident of continuing their fine form against a Thurrock side who are fifth in the standings.

But Thurrock are the only side to have beaten Westcliff this term as they beat them 23-17 at the start of the season.

And the Aviation Way based club are also missing skipper Sam Newbury who has pulled a hamstring, hooker George Weller, Ian Dartnell and Elliott Levy.

However, front row men Ash Whiting and Shaun Roberts hope to be fit despite picking up knocks against Tabard last weekend.

Miles Lintott, Ben Ryan and Dash Allum have also been added to the squad and Westcliff’s press officer Geoff Sawyer is expecting a stern test for the team.

"This will be a tough one,” said Sawyer.

“It is the nearest thing we have to a local derby and they just beat us last time so the match is going to be struggle with out boys looking to avenge that loss and Thurrock trying to do the double over us.”

London Two North leaders Rochford Hundred will also want to see off their local rivals as they travel to sixth placed Canvey.

Rochford are expected to make just two changes to their team with winger Greg Stubbs replacing the injured Sam Barnes and Darren Spencer returning to the back row.

But Hundred first team manager Graham Pratt knows Canvey will be difficult opponents.

“It will be a tough encounter as always but we’re playing well with only the one loss so far this season and we want to keep it that way,” said Pratt.

In London Three North East, third place Basildon will hope to return to action at home to Upminster while South Woodham Ferrers, who are sixth in the table, are at third from bottom Mersea Island.

In Essex One, Billericay are at home to Old Brentwoods while in Essex Two Stanford le Hope host Runwell Wyverns.