Mersea Island and Braintree are set to do battle in a London League division three north-east derby at Mersea Youth Camp (kick-off 2.15pm).

Despite having a five-match losing streak, the Islanders have enjoyed an amazing 2008, with promotion as champions to London Legaue division three and Rugby World’s Team of the Month Award for September.

With one of the longest list of player injuries for many seasons, the Islanders have battled hard through the last few months with some brave and spirited performances against good opposition.

This weekend is a big one for both Mersea sides, with the Rhinos playing rivals Mistley in the Merit League and the first XV entertaining Braintree at the Youth Camp.

In the forwards, a number of key players return to bolster the pack.

Livley prop Andy Holmes and Jay Hatcher partner dynamic hooker Nick Card in a very solid front row combination.

Andy Sutcliffe partners Dave Bredin in the second row, with Jim Sparks playing blindside after numerous good displays for the Rhinos.

Williams is forced to miss his first game in three years for the first team with a cracked rib injury, with Bredin taking over the captaincy.

The versatile Nick Woodlands reverts to scrum-half with Louborough University player Dan Kerr coming in at full-back. James Parks plays on the wing after two consecutive hat-tricks for the Rhinos.

Mike Fields returns to inside centre to partner Darryl Walters in a strong midfield partnership.