THORNBURY will take nothing for granted when they entertain their rivals Rockhampton in their big West of England Premier League Prem 2 Glos/Wilts division clash on Saturday.

And the Rams say they cannot wait to get to grips with ‘the noisy neighbours’.

The two sides may be at opposite ends of the table but the two clubs, separated by just four miles, will be eager to take the bragging rights at The Ship Field in the first derby of the season.

And with Thornbury suffering a second loss this season last Saturday in a top-of-the-table clash with second-placed Dumbleton, while the Rams enjoyed only their second victory of the campaign with a six wicket victory over Westbury and District, there is everything to play for this weekend.

Thornbury executive committee man Toby Summerfield said: “Even though Rockhampton are at the wrong end of the table, we won’t be taking them lightly.

“They will be up for this after winning against Westbury on the weekend. However, we have to take advantage of games like this if we want to continue to challenge for the title and for promotion. We just hope that there is good weather and that it is a good game.”

Rockhampton climbed out of the relegation zone after their victory on Saturday, and can take a further leap away from the drop zone if they can inflict another defeat on Thornbury.

Captain Jamie Wakefield said: “Obviously, this is the fixture that club members have looked out for in recent years – the big derby with the noisy neighbours.

“With last year’s washout at The Ship Field and losing down there the year before, we are very much looking forward to the challenge of beating them in their own back yard.

“It’s great to be coming into the game of the back of a great win against Westbury. It was a top all-round performance from the Rams after a disappointing start to the season.”

The match is vital for both teams to win as Thornbury look to put pressure back on new leaders Dumbleton, who are 13 points ahead of them.

And for Rockhampton, they are level on 58 points with Trowbridge, who occupy the first place in the relegation area and just two ahead of bottom side Lechlade.

The match starts at 12.30pm.