BOROUGH bragging rights will be up for grabs in a derby match at Stanford Rec this afternoon (Satuday, 20 December - 2pm), but it will take an almighty upset for the home side to claim them

Stanford-le-Hope will play host to neighbours Thurrock in a rare competitive league clash between the sides.

Thurrock make their shortest trip of the season, unbeaten at the top of the London & South East Essex 1 Counties table with eight wins from eight matches and a five point lead from second-placed Romford and Gidea Park.

Last weekend Tees were denied a start as Upminster pulled out of the fixture at Oakfield, giving the hosts a walkover win, while Stanford travelled to Romford and got a 69-19 beating.

A win against Upminster in October is the highlight of the season so far for Stanford, but a win today would be one of the biggest on the club's record.

After back-to-back Championship South defeats on the road to Trojans (22-12) and Bath (19-10), Thurrock T-Birds will be looking to bounce back to winning ways against Sutton & Epsom at home tomorrow (Sunday, 21 December) - kick off is at 2:30pm