Rock bottom Winchester will be aiming to throw off the demons of last weekend's crushing defeat at London Nigerian by impressing at home against second-placed Hertford.

The 60-3 reverse sent Mike Marchant's side careering to the foot of London One on points difference, but a victory would shift them back away from the trouble.

But, once again, the injuries have taken their toll on their beleaguered squad, but they can recall Hampshire captain Rolf Stratford into the second row and influential number eight Mike Harfoot. Alan Hayes is also given a call-up to partner Stratford.

Kiwi centre Kiri Cowl is included in the backs squad, with Marchant uncertain which format he would use prior to last night's training sessions. "Basically, we just have to go for it," said the coach. "As I mentioned last week, it is up or out for Winchester now.

"Last week was disgraceful, although Nigerians did play well. But this is a home game and we must win our game at home - it is important we do.

"We need to win three games quickly otherwise we are going to be in some trouble."

The same can be said for Andover, who need to bounce back from an on-paper surprise defeat to winless Wimbledon, although coach Keith Mitchell describes the Surrey side as "the best we have played this season, so I have no idea why they were bottom but one."

Mitchell himself has recovered from a stamping injury which caused him to retire from last week's game at half-time, with 11 points in a midweek game for REME against the Infantry.

But he is without Dan Pearson, who popped three ribs in training and is replaced by Mick Cockings. Craig Runciman returns for Lester Culley while 18-year-old prospect Stuart Dawson is giving his first start, as is Jim Wallace at No 8.

"Selection is too easy for me at the moment," said Mitchell, "because I only have about 18 fit guys to pick from.

"But we are better than our position in the league says and we can go to Sevenoaks and win."

At the other end of London Two South, unbeaten Worthing host third-placed Gosport & Fareham, which could go a long way to showing the make-up of the division going into a very important period of the season.

Portsmouth will be hoping that the local rivals can dent the Sussex club's 100 per cent start and they can win at improving Beckenham, so they can mount a challenge again after losing twice already.

Ex-Durham and Yorkshire centre Ian Salter and number eight James Pegler are unavailable and former Southampton star Charlie Ross is rated as doubtful.

Tony Russell switches to the wing, Nick Ettery slots in for Pegler and there is a debut for recent signing from US Portsmouth, Pablo.

Becks have already knocked an under-strength G&F down, so coach Ian Chandler knows it will not be easy. "We are conscious that we will need to go on a long unbeaten run like last year if we are to realise our ambitions as serious contenders for the league.

"It is a lot tighter at the top this season, so every match is vital, starting with our visit to Beckenham."