WELLINGTON and Wiveliscombe play each other in the big Boxing Day clash at the Athletic Ground (2.30).

If past games between these two sides are anything to go by, it will be another close and physical encounter.

“This is one match no-one wants to miss,” said Wellington coach Allyn Chetland, a former backrower who has himself played in numerous derby games.

“The form book goes out of the window. It is the biggest game in each of the clubs’ calendar.

“It’s always good to be involved in such a match - it’s a one off.

Wellington, whose home game against Crediton over the weekend was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch, deservedly won last year’s derby 19-12 at Wiveliscombe but their coach Pete Stone believes his side should have won the previous two games between the sides.

“There’s never a lot in these matches,” he said. “Obviously, Wellington start as slight favourites because they play at a higher level and have home advantage.

“In the end it is all about who plays better on the day. It is such an important day for the finances of the club staging the game. It is one of those occasions when everything possible is done to make sure the game is played.”

The clubs’ 2nd XVs play each other in the morning - also at Wellington (11.00) - and the home side would appear to be the hot favourites to win this fixture. They play in one division higher than their rivals.

Last season Wellington won both games and they will be expecting to pull off another double.

The Wellington club will hope the weather is better than last year when the match was played in atrocious weather. Some years ago the pitch at the Athletic Ground had to be cleared of snow by supporters and miraculously the game went ahead.