FOR THE third time this season there is a first against second clash in Hampshire Division One but, unlike the previous encounters, this one has a little bit of needle about it.

Unbeaten leaders Trojans visit progressive Fareham Heathens for a match the hosts have been psyching themselves up for months, as if their season depends upon it but, as coach and former Trojans player Matt Southey explains, all is not quite going to plan.

Winger John Jarvis is out with a detached retina and hooker Craig Shepherd is missing through a damaged shoulder while pack members Ed Monk and Anthony Reynolds are also absent through injury, meaning a much changed side.

Probably most key of all is the knee tear inflicted on scrum-half Jamie Daly which sees him miss the game and Jamie Cook come in.

"But while it is not the most stable side we have put out, we will still give Trojans a big game."

Trojans, off the back of a stunning Junior Vase win over KCS Old Boys last week maintain much the same side although Tom Mackintosh returns at number eight and Tim Richardson plays in the front row.

Coach Pete Surtees is just looking to win every game his side plays. "All the lads are geared up for this game because Heathens beat us last year, just like New Milton did and Heathens are next on our list," he said.

"I know Heathens think this is their most important game of the season but we don't think like that. I feel every game is and we shall get over this game and move onto our next game against Millbrook, believing that that game is our most important," he added.

The race is on for second place if Heathens slip up as Island rivals Sandown & Shanklin and Isle of Wight go head-to-head with both sides in prime form.

Fifth-placed Millbrook are still struggling with injuries and availability ahead of their clash with New Milton & District, who are without a win in their last three league meetings.

The pair are struggling for form at present and a win will boost morale in either camp but Dean Weaver's men are hoping to record a home win. They do, however, have Richard Goodridge abroad and Shannon Passingham still unable to shake of a knee injury.

Pravin Severiratne's rib has still not recovered while fellow Australian is a doubt with a neck problem. "It is still a major problem," admits team manager Alan Day.

In Hampshire Division Two, rejuvenating Fawley try and put their decent performance from last week against Fordingbridge into action when Ventnor come to the Waterside but skipper Bob Conway is still out although they select much the same side.

Paxton Pumas could hit untested waters tomorrow night should they beat leaders East Dorset - they could find themselves top of Hampshire Three for the first time in their short history.

They select a large squad to choose from with Ian Earles returning at fly-half and George Winch back at his preferred scrum-half slot.

Chris Liff makes his debut at flanker while Lee Sewell is preferred in the centre.

Bottom side Stoneham travel to next to last Kingsclere searching for their first win but they have a few issues in the front row to contend with as Sean Nanson and Scott Evans are both doubts.