Local derbies between Fareham Heathens and Nomads are traditionally fiery affairs, and tomorrow's meeting of the deadly rivals will be no different as they meet in an intriguing match in Hampshire One.

But Heathens will start overwhelming favourites given their recent impressive form that has seen them win three of the last four games, including a terrific win over Guernsey a fortnight ago, and held leaders Romsey to just a one point victory a month back.

Their results have made many sit up and take notice, as they sit just four points off the top of the table in sixth with a whole new resolve under new skipper Mark Steward. But Nomads will take no notice of that and throw everything at them in an effort to stop their run.

The home side, who may have to move the game to St Vincent's School in Gosport if their notoriously wet ground does not pass muster, have Trevor Illingworth back from injury in place of Duncan Nixon and Kiwi flanker John Baxter also returns.

Teenager Mitchell Stone has returned from his travels to take a centre berth for the game that Steward considers as "always a bruising encounter against our local rivals, but this is a good chance to continue the high standards we are setting ourselves recently."

Top meet bottom in a game that should be a formality for leaders Romsey, who can recall the recently suspended pair of JJ Barber and Paul Hudson to their squad for the visit of Hamble.

They cannot regain their starting places with Stuart McCormick holding on to his front row berth, but Justin Jeffrey returns to number eight. Nick Roach is missing, so Jerry Francis and Adam Trotman get the chance to link up in the centre.

Millbrook continue to be much changed with the forwards joining their teammates in the backs in the injury and unavailability stakes with Kev Byatt (holiday) and Jim Brown (ribs) missing for the visit of third-placed New Milton & District.

Jon Kidd and Ian Copeland come in as does Simon Coffin at full-back, with Joe Marler-Hausen likely to be out until at least Christmas. Team manager Alan Day returns at fly-half, moving Chris Ings to centre.

Eastleigh have been dealt a huge blow to their survival hopes with the news that skipper Clive Wooding has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with hernia problems, so the Bishopstoke club include Steve Shears and Steve Crawley into their squad for the visit of Farnborough.

Fawley are hoping that in-form Lytchett Minster can do them a favour by knocking unbeaten Isle of Wight over, while they take the points away from Alresford in Hampshire Two.

The Watersiders, just two points behind, have sprung a surprise by naming old boy number eight James Baker in their side for the first time since leaving to take up Army officer training at Sandhurst. He comes in for the unavailable Ross Smith.

Steve Eaton switches to full back, where he has played well in the Marchwood Dolphins Wednesday afternoon side while Lee Haisman takes over at fly-half.

The Islanders can stretch ahead if they dispose of Lytchett while Ventnor can further hamper Ellingham & Ringwood's good start to the season at Picket Post.

Division Three recommences after a month's break with Stoneham Park, having won all of their matches in between, keen to redress the league balance, where they are bottom, against fourth-placed Verwood.