A SEMI-FINAL place and bragging rights are at stake when an eagerly anticipated derby sees Northwich and Winnington Park rugby teams go head to head on Saturday.

Burrows Hill will stage the mouthwatering Cheshire Vase quarter-final contest between the neighbours and rivals, kick-off 2.15pm.

A huge crowd, with free entry, is expected for an intriguing contest.

While Northwich play two leagues above, they have found it challenging to compete at the highest level in their history after enjoying earning promotion last season.

They are yet to win a game this term and have suffered heavy defeats weekly, so may see Saturday as an opportunity to regroup and seek out a win that sets a platform for Andy Roberts' side to kick-on for the remainder of the campaign.

Park, on the other hand, have the chance to test whether they have the ability to lift their game and take a notable scalp while adding to their neighbours' woes in the process.

A busy afternoon is expected, with Park's third XI at home to Vale of Lune in the Halbro Shield as well.

Refreshments will be available from the pitchside marquee and clubhouse, where the England versus Tonga autumn international will be being shown from 3.15pm on the big screen.

Winnington will go into the encounter in a good frame of mind after a big win at the weekend.

Captain Shaun Underdown stole the show for Park just when it was needed.

Matt Farr's side had lost the last two games and Underdown's hat-trick inspired his men to a 41-17 success against Orrell, who scored the opening try and only trailed 15-10 at the interval.

Northwich Guardian: Alex Glendinning takes Winnington Park forward. Picture: John PickeringAlex Glendinning takes Winnington Park forward. Picture: John Pickering

Scrum-half James Johnson was awarded a penalty try and replacement prop Matt Sant touched down Park's second try of the half.

Underdown sprinted 20 metres with two players hanging off him to touch down early in the second half, with Cam Flanagan converting.

Within minutes Underdown was over again, after a great kick from fly-half Flanagan brought a line out that Park won 10 metres from Orrell's try line.

Following a penalty, the Park forwards drove as one unit for Underdown to emerge from under the mass of bodies as the try scorer and Flanagan converted.

Alex Glendinning crossed for Park's sixth try before Orrell added a consolation effort.

Park let there guard down in the last couple of minutes for Orrell to score another try to end the game 41 to 17.

Park: Lee Allmark, Will Nelson, Will Morrillo, Sam Brookes, Chris Twigg, Cameron Flanagan, James Johnson, Ross Morrin, Mike Eaves, Shaun Underdown, Kieran Taylor, Ben Cann, Andrew Evans, Alex Gendinning, Ryan Williams, Matt Sant, Mat Treacy and Alex Burrage.