clash.

The game -- in memory of slain Police Commissioner George Duckett -- has been moved for the first time from National Sports Club to Police Field, and emotions are expected to be even higher for a match already noted for its intensity.

Police have won the contest, now in its 23rd year, eight times, compared to the Rest's 11 victories. There have been three draws.

"I am extremely pleased that the game will be played at Prospect,'' said Alex Forbes, deputy Police Commissioner and a former hooker for the Blues from 1963-70.

The Blues, atop Division One with six wins and a draw after nine games, have been struggling recently but are hoping to use the Duckett to put the second half of the season on firmer footing.

"I think the different venue will stimulate all the players,'' said Keiron Peacock, who will be coaching The Rest. "The crowd is always very partisan towards the Police for the game and I don't think this'll be any different.'' Most of all, however, Police are looking to rebound from two straight defeats in the Duckett, one of the biggest games of the year on the domestic calendar.

The game starts at 3 p.m. with a junior rugby exhibition at 1 p.m.

Police came closest to turning things around a year ago and held an 18-14 advantage with 20 minutes to go, eventually losing 30-19 after becoming unravelled by a controversial call by referee Peter Borland.

"We always seem to pull out the stops for this match,'' outside half Alan Oliver said yesterday. "People tend to play above themselves, there's no doubt about that. If you're on the national side it's not easy jelling together for a one-off game like this.'' Oliver suffered a concussion two weeks ago against Mariners and Police are hoping to erase the headache associated with a mid-season swoon.

Last year they used the Duckett as a springboard (they entered the match with a 1-5 record) for a strong finish.

"Obviously from our point of view this is slightly different from Teachers scenario and the Denton Hurdle match because none of us who are playing knew Mr. Duckett,'' said Oliver. "So it's more about the older hands in the Police effort, the Billy Butterworths and the Keith Cassidys...it's more their game.'' Later he added: "It's certainly the first time a set of rugby posts have been placed on Police Field and as far as we're aware it's the first time a competitive rugby match has ever been played there, which is nice. If the response through the force alone is anything to go on, it's going to be quite an atmosphere.'' Police will be without standout Gareth Davies, hobbled by a hamstring injury, but should be improved by the return of Callum Welsh and Dave Bird.

Oliver said the key to Police success this season had been Mark Adams, back at centre after playing the last two years out of position at outside half. He believed Mariners posed the biggest threat to Police dominance during the second half of the year.

"I think Sean (Field) would say as captain that the difference this year is we're playing as a team rather than there being any outstanding individuals.

We've got a lot of confidence on the side and the team spirit is good, too.'' Said Field, who is expected to step down as captain after this season, "We've got to get back on track. It will be a tall order because many of my first choice members are injured, but if we play to our capabilities we are more than capable of pulling it off.'' Police: Front row -- Dave Lunn, Mike Deevy, Dan Cozens; Second row -- Alan Gorbutt, Dave Barnard; Back row -- Callum Welsh, Sean Field (captain), Adrian Smith; Scrum half -- Tim Carr; Outside half -- Alan Oliver; Centre -- Mark Adams, Dave Bird; Wings -- Shane DeMille, Troy Glasgow; Fullback -- Richard Cubbin.

The Rest: Neil Alexander, Clive Parker, Danny Forsythe, Des Nash, Ashley Redmond, Patrick Cooper (captain), Noel Capewell, Ali Nicoll, Magnus Henagulph, Phil Heaney, Mike Gorrie, Keith Beattie, Andre Simons, Iwan Jones, Ross Webber.