Royal Wootton Bassett host Swindon in South West One East derby

Bassett have come through a disappointing December to pick up two wins from two in 2019 and will be looking to continue that good run against their near neighbours.

On the contrary, Swindon picked up both of their league wins this season in December, but have since slipped to three losses on the spin.

Nonetheless, Low is aware of the threat that Swindon carry and says that his side will have to be at their best to pick up the win.

He said: “The table doesn’t tell the whole story. In the last few weeks, Swindon have run some clubs close and they’ve even turned over some tight results, so it will be a really tough game at the weekend.

“Form goes out of the window for local derbies. For us, it will just be a case of focus on the controllables.

“As long as we keep our heads on what we’re doing, I feel we can play some really good rugby. That’s all I want the boys to do.”

Bassett came out on top in the reverse fixture back in September, storming to a 29-14 win, but Low says that anything can happen in a derby and there is no guarantee of a repeat result come Saturday.

The Bassett chief is predicting a spicy affair at Ballards Ash and has told fans to expect a tight battle, with both teams desperate to emerge victorious.

He said: “The local derbies are fantastic. There’s always a bit more bite to these kinds of games.

“A lot of the guys know each other and, particularly when it comes to the first teams, will have played together, before, so it’s good fun.

“Swindon have really improved over the last few weeks. Mike Thompson (captain) is driving them on ready for the fight.

“They’re going to be scrapping for everything to maintain their status in this league, so we need to be ready.”

Elsewhere, Swindon College Old Boys host North Dorset in Southern Counties South, while Supermarine resume the search for their first win in Dorset & Wilts One North against Warminster.