Eastleigh are forced into a waiting game (From Daily Echo)

Eastleigh are forced into a waiting game

11:31am Friday 11th February 2011 in Rugby By Clive Downton

Eastleigh will not be naming their team to face in-form New Milton & District until tomorrow.

The Bishopstoke Road club is normally one of the first to declare its line-up but injury and unavailability has forced staff to leave selection until the last minute.

Eastleigh’s aim is for automatic promotion to the London leagues by claiming the Hampshire 1 title.

They have had a see-saw battle with leaders Andover since the beginning of the season and victory is vital this weekend.

Andover, beaten by New Milton just two weeks ago, will be favourite for victory over Isle of Wight.

New Milton captain Sam Bew reckons confidence, training and simplicity have been the key to success for his side since the turn of the year. He said: “We had a couple of good results before playing Andover and then we beat Andover and we have been on a high since.”

The young squad is being trained by player/coach Brendan Treacey who played for Portsmouth RFC until recently.

Bew added: “We have the same bunch of lads but we are keeping it simple, gelling together and communicating.”

Southampton can swap places with Ventnor if they are successful on the south side of the Isle of Wight.

Saints have picked up just three victories this term, a double over bottom club Fareham Heathens and a win over Farnborough in November.

Millbrook make the short trip down the M27 to face US Portsmouth.