Winchester head coach Andy Fields is hoping his team have learnt an important lesson in how to cope with winter conditions.

The promotion-seeking side, which won nine London 2 South-West League matches on the bounce, has dropped back to third following a couple of defeats in a row – including losing at Weybridge last weekend.

Fields wants to get back to winning ways tomorrow with a trip to Portsmouth, refusing to give up the chase on leaders Tottonians and second-placed London Cornish.

He said: “Having been schooled in the mud last week, I hope this young team will have learnt a lesson in how to play winter rugby.

“We now have to rely on Tottonians and London Cornish slipping up if we are to rejoin the promotion picture. However, we are determined to fight all the way.”

Talismanic second row Rob Rees is carrying an injury, which may mean a recall for veteran lock Campbell Ettinger. It is also hoped that Robbie Arthur will be fit having missed the Weybridge defeat through injury.”

Leaders Tottonians will aim to keep the gap over their chasers or, preferably, increase it.

Totts, who have dropped just one game all season and have a four-point cushion over London Cornish – those sides meet in March – travel to Old Reigatian, who they defeated 42-19 at Water Lane last October.

Cornish head for Effingham & Leatherhead.