Biggest Newark and Sherwood-based rugby game of year awaits as Newark host Southwell

The biggest crowd of the season is expected at Kelham Road on Saturday afternoon as Newark and Southwell lock horns for the second time this season.

Newark Rugby Club’s first team go into derby day off the back of a closely-fought fixture with title challengers Melbourne, while Southwell’s first teamers suffered a disappointing defeat to Lincoln.

However, Newark’s director of rugby, Tim Barker, said recent results would not count towards anything on the day.

“There isn’t going to be a great deal in it — there certainly wasn’t when we played in Southwell earlier on in the season,” said Barker.

“It went down to the wire on that occasion, so I expect it to be more of the same, which always makes for great entertainment.

“Derby games are usually close games and, to give a cliché, form tends to go out the window and it is about who can perform better on the day.

“Both sides will be up for it and I am really looking forward to it.”

Last time out in December, hundreds were at Park Lane in Southwell as Newark edged a 28-27 win in the dying moments.

Barker said he expected to see a similar bumper crowd at Kelham Road on Saturday afternoon.

“There will be a big crowd — it should be the biggest crowd of the season by some margin,” he said.

“The second teams are playing at Southwell on the Friday evening, so we expect a lot of them to be down supporting.”