Andover are disappointed they are not getting the opportunity to round off their season in style after being handed two walkovers on the bounce.

The successful north Hampshire side sit on top of London 3 South-West and are looking to earn promotion as champions.

They have been handed tomorrow’s game by opponents and bottom side Ellingham & Ringwood – after being given their Gales HSB Hampshire Bowl semi-final by Fordingbridge a week ago.

Being awarded the games may well help the All Blacks on their way to a league and cup double, but coach Andy Waite and his players want to earn their success on the field.

Victory tomorrow would have handed them promotion and a big day at the club, including a celebration and support from the academy, was planned.

But the Es pulled out when they were unable to field a front row against Andover’s formidable pack.

Waite said it seems to be coming more common now and he was shocked that third-placed Old Mid-Whitgiftian even handed a walk-over to struggling Trojans last weekend.

He said: “We are very happy to be promoted but from our point of view it’s an unsatisfactory way to achieve it.

“We have worked hard all season and it feels a bit like our day in the sun has been taken away from us.

“The players are disappointed.

“That said, we have worked hard and deserve what we have got so it’s a bit of a double-edged sword really.”

Eastleigh, who have been in promotion picture for much of the season, will try and halt their slide towards mid-table with victory at Old Tonbridgians while New Milton head for Purley John Fisher.