By an ironic twist of fate, the only two county-based sides in league action tomorrow are the very two left to feature in the Hampshire Worthington's Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

It is a far from satisfactory situation for both, as Winchester aim to better their chances of beating the London Division One drop while Portsmouth still have an inquisitive eye on the Two South play-offs.

Just when they desperately needed a weekend off, the injury-ravaged county capital outfit are left to delve very deep into their first XV squad, as an incredible six players from last week's defeat at Staines, all of whom forwards, are unavailable for the visit of title-chasing Haywards Heath.

Prop Adrian Mort tore tendons in his finger and could miss the rest of the season while Henry Dorling, Stuart Moreton, Rolf Stratford, Tom Pervin and Steve Showell are all unavailable, although the back division remains unaltered.

It means rare starts for Graham Woodcock and Southampton rugby development officer Rob Memory in the front row, while Simon Jenvey, Ricky Taylor, Adam Bainbridge and Nick Miller are all brought in.

All in all, it has not been the easiest of weeks for coaches Mike Marchant and Barry Bridgman.

"We have got an awful lot of players missing," comments the latter, "especially this week. Thankfully we only have five league games left.

"If we can keep ourselves away from the relegation zone, it will be an amazing effort, given the amount of players that we have been forced to use this year. I think everyone deserves a holiday to the Bahamas at the end of this campaign!"

Marchant also added, "This will be a very tough game. Haywards Heath are second in the table with games in hand over Southend at the top - and we are one of them. But we have played well at home against some of the better sides and we could get a result here too."

They may well be a little off the pace at the head of London Two South, but Portsmouth certainly have not thrown in the towel, as they await any slip-up from top two Worthing and Gosport & Fareham.

With two games in two days, coach Ian Chandler names his strongest side for the visit of Old Mid-Whitgiftian which sees prop Dave Thomas return for the unavailable Rac Ramshaw and the league's leading try-scorer, Matthew Gronow, restored at centre.

Tony Russell reverts to the wing as Chandler targets at least a play-off place. "Whilst we are still in with a chance, we will be giving it everything we have," he feels. "We need to win on Saturday to maintain the pressure on the top two."

The 'Midwives' should offer little resistance to an in-form Portsmouth, especially as the Surrey side's record when they cross the southern border is decidedly poor. "And, after last weeks performance at Tunbridge Wells, we are in good form and playing with pace and purpose," adds Chandler.