SUFFOLK's big derby rugby game between Ipswich and Sudbury at Humber Doucy Lane tomorrow is vital for both clubs, struggling for league points.Wins last Saturday for Ipswich, away at Old Verulamians and for Sudbury, at home to Diss, has boosted confidence in both camps.

SUFFOLK's big derby rugby game between Ipswich and Sudbury at Humber Doucy Lane tomorrow is vital for both clubs, struggling for league points.

Wins last Saturday for Ipswich, away at Old Verulamians and for Sudbury, at home to Diss, has boosted confidence in both camps.

Ipswich's director of rugby Mike Hancock said: "Both sides have shown considerable improvement in recent weeks. This is an extremely important game. We are expecting a tough and close encounter in front of what is sure to be our biggest crowd of the season."

The attendance is likely to be swelled because there is a vice presidents' lunch before the kick off and a Blues band playing live in the club house in the evening afterwards.

Ipswich have moved up to seventh place in the London League Division Two North with four wins and eight points in their 10 games, following the 17-12 victory at Old Verulamians.

Sudbury are currently four places below Ipswich, second from bottom, with three wins and six points in their 10 games, after the 18-13 success over Diss.

"As always with Ipswich and Sudbury, where there has been a considerable interchange of players over the years, there is pride at stake," added Hancock.

"League positions won't count for anything when the players get out on the pitch and we must ensure we keep the momentum going and come away with a win."

Ipswich have no serious injury problems and have named a squad of 20 from who the starting 15 will be selected.

Back into the frame tomorrow comes prop forward Paul Bailey who originally announced his retirement at the end of last season. But he has returned and played for the lower sides to come into contention for his first senior game of the season.

Father Christmas has frustrated prop Ollie Bolton's chance of playing. Instead he will be watching his four-year-old son performing as Santa Claus in a local production.

Ipswich Thirds play tomorrow at home to Sudbury thirds.

Ipswich (from): Bailey, Reeve, Fairclough, R Thomas, Stephens, Price, Briggenshaw, Jeff Searle, Blyth, Primmer, Johnson, Van Heerden, Jon Searle, Rush, Dittburner, Goodall, Harding, Ryan, Hines, Brotherton.