BASINGSTOKE have a swift chance tomorrow to regain the second place they lost last week when they went down 17-16 at London division one leaders Havant.

While Basingstoke suffered a narrow defeat, tomorrow's visitors Haywards Heath were enjoying a one-point win when they beat Harlow 11-10.

Harlow were at Down Grange only two weeks ago and were crushed 32-12 so the form line would suggest another home win for Basingstoke.

Last week's defeat at Havant exposed a few weaknesses among the young Basingstoke forwards and they have been working on second phase possession in training this week.

"We learned a bit last week," said player-coach Ian Calder. "So we've been doing a few more drills on the rucks and mauls and how to give more protection to the ball carrier."

Basingstoke have won their two home matches comfortably and Calder is looking for more of the same tomorrow.

"We've done well at home so, hopefully, we'll carry that on," he said.

Two of his senior forwards are ruled out by injury - second row Nigel Hooker (knee) and back row star Phil Della-Savina (shoulder).

There is also a question mark about Steve Buttle's back although he is named in Calder's team.

Simon Lovegrove is back from college in Worcester and takes over on the blindside flank with Adrian Hopkins reverting to second row.

Another open, attractive match is in prospect if Basingstoke can reproduce the exciting running that has produced 17 tries in their four league matches so far.

Full-back Chris Norton ran in the Down Grange side's two tries at Havant last Saturday.

Basingstoke: C Norton; M Dangerfield, J Rees, N Taylor, G Jones; I Calder, S Taylor; N Young, A Riley, S Buttle, A Hopkins, S Drawbridge, S Lovegrove, S Appleby, R Baker (capt). Reps: Y Cullum or R Joseph, A Gordon, M Evans.