A gasp of excitement greeted the semi-final draw of the Hampshire Worthington's Bowl a fortnight ago when Fordingbridge were awarded a home tie against Forest rivals New Milton & District.

The match is on Sunday, with New Milton operating from a division higher, in Hampshire One, than the home side - but the 'Bridge were victorious when last the Ashley men headed west.

That was one of only two defeats suffered by Milton in their Hampshire Two championship campaign of 2001-2002.

Whether that 29-27 result, in October 2001, when John Holden kicked a last-ditch penalty to win the game for the hosts, will influence the outcome of this one will have to be seen. The visitors have had a good season in Hampshire One, however, while 'Bridge are fighting relegation.

Fordingbridge are at full strength, bar those long-term injured and number eight Steve Carey, who is concentrating his efforts on running the London Marathon and does not want to risk the 'Fordingbridge injury curse' affecting his preparations.

New Milton, the highest-ranked team left in the competition, will go in favourites and have an 18-strong squad from which to choose. That is only minus the injured prop Paul Eveleigh, who will also miss the Hampshire Under-20 match at Shelford RFC.

"We are very much up for the game," said Fordingbridge's Nikki Stockley, "especially as we beat them last season at our place."

Ventnor have a very long Sunday away as they travel to Jersey for their game with surprise package Les Quennevais in the other semi-final.

After wondering whether they would get a squad to go, coach David Ball provisionally announces a full strength team that is only without Danny Newbery, although their final travellers was to be confirmed after training last night.

It certainly will not be easy for the Blue and Whites, as Quennevais defeated fellow Hampshire Two outfit Fawley in the last round, former Jersey winger Simon Gilley bagging at hat-trick.

"We know very little of them, to be fair," said Ball. "But we will be there for 10.15am for an early start and come back on the day as well, so it will be a long day. Hopefully we can bring the final of the competition to the Isle of Wight again if we win."