With five successive wins since returning to familiar ground, Gosport & Fareham have edged away from foot of London 2 South - but their run is nothing compared to their opponents tomorrow.

All-conquering Richmond roll into town and the once great Surrey giants are unbeaten in a believed world record 71 matches since their fall from professional grace four seasons ago. They are six points clear at the top, courtesy of 13 straight wins.

It will be the first time the pair have met this season after the peninsular side pulled out of the fixture earlier in the season, but they name a powerful squad of 21 and hope to spring a major surprise at the temporary Fort Blockhouse home, which has been a fortress this season.

Skipper Fred Dugan is realistic: "I don't think we will beat them because they are obviously the best side in the league by far.

"But if they think they are coming here to a side struggling near the bottom, they are in for a shock."

Prop Peter Wallis, full-back Chris Manktelow and lock Harry Harrison could all return from injury while Army wingers Ben Taylor and Jon Hogarth may also feature. However, Richard Daly and Steve Emm are definitely out.

"I'd like Richmond to go away thinking they have been in a tough and fair game and feeling they don't want to come back here again in a hurry," continued Dugan.

The match could be the last at the temporary home before the big delayed move back to Gosport Park - it's envisaged that Gosport's £800,000 new clubhouse will be open ahead of the league clash with second-placed Barnes next weekend.

Winchester need to take a leaf out of Gosport's book and send third-placed Wimbledon back over the county border with no reward when they travel south for the second successive week, while Andover can build on their outstanding result against Barnes by delivering a similar blow to mid-table Sidcup.

Last season, Portsmouth did battle with Tunbridge Wells for the play-off berth for promotion but, this time around, both are languishing in mid-table and need to be careful of the chasing pack.

Therefore, the result of the Hampshire side's visit to Kent will go a long way to ensuring one or the other's immediate survival and coach Ian Chandler is confident that, with players finally returning from long-term injury and unavailability, they can collect the result they require.

"We'll have to be at our best to bring back two points," he said, "and we have the ability to do it. The team is starting to take shape and it'll be on the day that we see where we go for here."

If Havant are to maintain their promotion intentions, they must not slip up anywhere and they know they will be tested to the full by struggling Staines, a side they shared 110 points with earlier in the season in winning 74-36.

However, Staines have boosted their squad with a host of South Africans while the home side will be without centre pairing Owen Jones and Steve Stapleton in the back division, meaning selection was delayed until after last night's training session.

In the forwards, Dave Archer's absence allows Nick Whittle a start and director of rugby Adam King knows this game is another 'cup final' for his side.

"Judging by the players they have brought in, Staines will be a totally different proposition than they were earlier in the season.

"Whatever unit we eventually take to the field with, we'll have to be at our totally committed best to win."