Local rivals Bristol Sonics and Gloucestershire Warriors will do battle tomorrow in arguably the most important West Country Rugby League derby in recent years.

Following defeat to Coventry Bears last weekend, Bristol Sonics' hopes of claiming a third straight Rugby League Conference Midlands title – and their first Midlands Premier crown – hang by a thread.

The Sonics must win their final two matches, starting on Saturday, to stand any chance of claiming a valuable end of season play-off place.

The Warriors are still smarting from their first defeat at the hands of the Sonics in June.

While the Sonics have been challenging for honours, their closest local rivals have had a disappointing time in 2009, with a mixture of injuries and absences wrecking their chances of silverware.

Sonics coach Karl Fearnley believes his side shouldn't read too much into form: "When it comes to derby football, form goes completely out of the window. I know it's a cliche, but I wouldn't read anything into it.

"The Warriors are a tremendous side and will be desperate to come down here and beat us on Saturday."

Fearnley will have to do without the services of forwards Stafford Lloyd and Neil Holder, and backs Johan Schoeman and Dan Evans.

That could mean a switch to full-back for stand-off James Gross and a rare game for half-back Ali Parry.

John-Jo Burden is a fitness doubt, with Guy Garnett standing by to take his position at centre.

The match kicks off at 1.30pm – an hour earlier than normal.