DERBIES between Vale Rec and North are always tight affairs, but there may never have been quite so much riding on them as in the next five days.

The two sides, both challenging for the Priaulx League title in a topsy-turvy season, meet twice this week, starting tonight at the Corbet Field, with both coaches stressing the importance of the double-header.

It is Rec who lead the way in second-place – and, with games in hand on leaders Bels – while reigning champions North are 14 points behind their great rivals, having played two games fewer.

Both Carl Le Tissier and William Woodford have near full-strength squads to select from, with the former admitting this is a make-or-break week for his emerging Rec side.

It is a similar story in the night’s other big game, as leaders Bels entertain the fourth side in the title hunt, St Martin’s, at the Track.