WIVELISCOMBE are expecting a bumper crowd for Boxing Day's big rugby derby against visitors Wellington at The Rec (2.15 pm).

The fixture is played annually on alternate grounds with Wellington having enjoyed the better results in recent years.

In fact, Wivelicombe have to go back to the 2008-9 season when they last beat their neighbours with Gareth Bellamy captaining the side to a 25-15 victory.

Since then, Wellington have enjoyed almost 100 per cent success, although the sides fought out a 14-14 draw one year and Wivey got within two points of winning on another occasion.

The game is a money spinner for the home side and with mild weather forecast with possible light rain the crowd could be nearly 1,000.

Captaining the home side is Will Ellis, while Danny Lee will be leading his side out for a match which neither side wants to lose.

Wellington start as clear favourites by virtue of playing in a higher division - Regional One South West - while Wiveliscombe will be looking to put their disappointing form in Counties One Western West behind them.

Wellington full-back Alex Davey, who missed the 27-22 win over Chard through injury, is expected to be fit along with 'a couple of other missing players.'

Wellington's head coach Graham Dawe said: "We expect to field virtually a full strength squad. A couple of the uni boys may be in the mix."

Both teams have lost key players since last season which would explain their performances in their respective divisions.

As always, the first team game is preceded by the match between the clubs' second teams which kicks off at 11 am.

Many supporters like to watch both games, which means the bar will be full for the break at lunch time.