H&B take on local rivals

The form-book held true the last time the teams met, with H&B storming to a 53-0 win at William Parker.

Rye struggled to get to grips with the pace of the division earlier in the season after winning promotion last year.

But they have started to give some of the better teams a run for their money and lifted themselves off the bottom with an impressive win over Hellingly two weeks ago.

On Saturday they were denied a place in the final of the Sussex Intermediate Shield when they fell victim to a hilly pitch against Pulborough.

Matt Hook touched down twice and converted both, with Scott Ashby adding a penalty and Dave Blackman a penalty try. Despite building up a 22-12 lead at half-time, Rye were unable to make any further progress and lost 30-22.

H&B recorded a tight 15-13 victory over Crowborough to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Dave Milham and Steve McManus scored the tries with Paul Sandeman adding a conversion and penalty to the score.

Both teams select from full strength squads for the big derby game at New Road, kick-off 2.15pm.