A RARE local derby takes place on Saturday, when Northwich entertain Winnington Park in the second round of the NPI Cup at Moss Farm, kick off 3pm.

It is several years since the two clubs last met.

Northwich - then called Mid-Cheshire College - won the first ever meeting in 1984. Since then, Winnington Park have won all the other encounters.

In recent years there have only been fixtures at third and fourth team and junior levels, with honours being fairly even.

"We look forward to renewing acquaintances," said Northwich chairman John Nancollis.

"When our clubs first met there had been little contact between us either on or off the pitch. Since then there has been movement of players between clubs and fairly regular meetings at junior level.

"This year our main priority is to make progress in the league and I am sure that Winnington feel the same.

"Nevertheless, a local derby and a cup competition, with a final played at Twickenham, is sure to get everyone involved in local rugby more than a little excited. Let's hope we get a good crowd and a keenly-contested, sporting game."

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