THE fixtures secretary has been kind to Isle of Wight rugby fans by giving them the perfect Christmas treat — the long-awaited second derby match of the season between Ventnor and IWRFC tomorrow (Saturday).

Ventnor will not have forgotten how Isle of Wight humiliated them at Wootton Rec back in September, with a comprehensive 35-7 hammering.

Although Ventnor have struggled all season at the wrong end of Counties 3 Hampshire, Isle of Wight can expect a different game at Watcombe Bottom.

Ventnor go into the game on the back of a battling 12-12 draw against high-flying Overton on Saturday.

IWRFC, lying in third and in the promotion mix, have been a little inconsistent recently.

"As always, we're looking forward to a local derby and playing in front of a big attendance," said IWRFC head coach, Keith Wallace. 

"Despite what the league table says, we're expecting nothing less than a tough examination. 

"We'll need to step up on last week's performance against Aldershot and Fleet, when we had a poor first half, but found our feet in the last half hour. 

"It would be good to round off a strong first half of the season." 

Dave Hanson and Brad Martin are unavailable, but Andy Brown, Aidan Martin and Danny Rackett are in contention, while George Huish returns after serving a suspension.

Kick off 2pm.

The second teams of both clubs face each other at the same venue at 12pm.