THE biggest crowd of the season is expected at Merton Lane on Saturday for East Kent’s big rugby ‘derby’ between Canterbury and Thanet Wanderers (kick-off 2.30pm).

More than 800 watched the Powergen London Division 1 clash between the two sides at Broadstairs in October when both teams were unbeaten and riding high in the league.

The city club won that game 30-9, but are expecting a much closer encounter this time round as Wanderers seek revenge.

“We’re expecting a tough game again,” said Canterbury skipper Frank Davis, whose side go into the clash six points off the league leaders and with a game in hand.

“We perhaps had the slight rub of the green at their place and we’ll work hard to ensure we have it again this weekend. Thanet are a consistent side, we know we will have to be on top of our game to beat them.

“We play a different style of rugby to them, we’d like to think we’re fitter and have a lighter, more mobile pack than them, so that will allow us to play a more fluent game plan.”

The match represents the first of two games in five days for Canterbury who travel to Sussex to meet Worthing next Wednesday evening kick-off 7.30pm).

The game was originally staged on January 3, but league officials ordered a replay after Worthing had front row injury problems.

Uncontested scrums featured in part of the match, in contravention of regulations.

There will be no supporters’ coach transport to the Worthing game.