Ever since two late scrum penalty tries helped the newly-promoted Berkshire men stun their visitors 27-20 in November 2019, the fixture has served up drama galore.
After Covid passed, Jacob Atkins inspired Rams to a 24-0 half-time lead in September 2021, only for Luc Smith – younger brother of England ace Marcus – to almost pull off a famous fightback.
Rams, though, won 24-21, and then edged another epic 17-13 in their first trip to The Rock.
Three more wins followed before arguably the most epic of them all, a final-play 21-17 comeback triumph in January 2024 – a 12-man maul hurtling Max Hayman over the line.
Park then played some incredible rugby to stop the rot in a 27-26 victory the following December.
But in the repeat fixture at the end of last season, Rams won a basketball-esque contest 49-40 at OBR, before the two sides produced another epic as Reynolds’ men won 40-29 before Christmas.
‘Games between the two sides are always superb’
Commenting on what is arguably the one fans look out for every season, Seb admitted: “It’s become a great rivalry over the years.
“The first game was memorable and fast forward six-and-a-half years, they’ve always been superb.
“Most have been close and they’re always highly competitive.”
This time round the two sides enter after contrasting fortunes last time out.
Park hammered Leicester Lions 88-7 for the biggest National One win of the season, while Rams went down 80-7 at Rotherham Titans for their heaviest league loss in history.
And the DoR has laid down the gauntlet to his players.
‘A wonderful opportunity for us to respond back at home’
He explained: “Last week was a tough one against a quality side.
“Ultimately we want to move on, but you can’t help look at what happened.
“We must take what we can from it, look at how we can improve and the rawness of it will come out on Saturday.
“The beauty of rugby is this is another fight between two teams who will look to win collisions and get the ball over the other team’s line.
“You can have all the tactics in the world, but ultimately, it’s about the desire to win those contests this weekend.
“Being back at home, it’s a wonderful opportunity for the guys to respond.
“There are two ways this can go – either positively where we show our home support what we’re about, or we don’t.
“I’m very excited to see how we do.”
Rams make five changes to the starting line-up with Paddy Harris replacing Ant Marris as starting loose-head, the pack otherwise unchanged.
Rapid Mannhardt ready to make an impact
Ant, who won his 50th cap against Park, will be ready to add impact from the bench.
In the three-quarters Andrew Lamb steps in at fly-half after an excellent performance for the Development XV against Royal Air Force recently, with Ellis Jones at outside centre.
This sees Morgan MacRae move back to No. 12 in the sole positional change.
The other starting swaps see Axel Kalling-Smith back from international duty to take the right-wing slot, with debutant Alex Mannhardt on the other flank.
And commenting on the first-time starter, the Head Coach said: “He was sensational against the RAF.
“Alex has been knocking on the door in recent weeks, and around us for a few years having been at Reading University.
“He’s rapid and it’s nice to give him the chance after waiting so long.
“I’ve no doubt he’ll go well and enjoy it with what we hope can be phenomenal support, and I really urge everyone to get behind the side.
“I’m sure there will be plenty of points, the sun out and hopefully we can hear the Ramily roar.”
*There is plenty going on before tomorrow’s game, with fantastic rising country singer Nicole Allan in the Rams Fan Zone from 1.30pm.
Gourmet burgers will also be on sale from the barbecue cooked by Chef Pancho – what better way to start a fabulous sun-drenched afternoon!
And for anyone booking tickets via the website at a discounted rate (before midnight today), you also earn 20 per cent off one to Sedgley Park next week – click here
How much more could you ask for as Rams look to finish the campaign on a high!
