Tomorrow is the final chance to prepare for the league kick-off for many clubs - as coaches and captains attempt to finalise their plans for the season.

All the league sides are in action in 'friendly' matches, with Trojans receiving a strong Basingstoke 2nd XV to Stoneham Lane in one of a handful of intriguing and tough games for the local clubs.

The time for trials is as good as over for Richard Cheal's side, as the coach looks to cement his thoughts ahead of the visit to US Portsmouth next weekend. In doing so, he includes talented young fly-half Simon Foster and Nels Bernhart, a former club man who has returned to the area.

Cheal has also sprung a surprise by recruiting veteran Gosport & Fareham winger Andy Milton to the blue and red hoops, aiming to get the best out of the regular peninsular try scorer in a lower league.

Former skipper Nigel leBas will play, depending on his fitness as Cheal says he is under no illusions for the game.

"This is just another conditioning game where the lads can work together. We have had the trials, now is the time for the potential to be in the first team squad for next week," he said.

South African scrum-half Martin Marks is one of the players under the watchful eye of Southampton captain Tony Cador tomorrow, when they travel to relegated Farnborough.

Cador will pay particular attention to Mike O'Leary, Ian Budd and hooker Paul Brant as he seeks confirmation of his side for their return to the London divisions next weekend. The rest of the side has a familiar look to it.

"I don't want to make wholesale changes," said Cador. "It is mainly the usual suspects around, and I believe these players can step up to the higher standard of the game."

A familiar look is something that cannot be said about the Tottonians side going to Bournemouth for a friendly as Bob Millard rings the changes and introduces a number of new faces.

Those faces include bright young stars Richard Buck, Michael Searle and Chris Bethal, while summer signings Aaron Nelson, Alfie Jenks and Ali Hall all start their first proper games. Almost as many others are pushed up from the second XV to show their worth.

"These lads have looked good at training and deserve their chance," admitted coach Millard.

It will come as a shock to many, but Millbrook have recruited a player! Fly-half Joseph Marler, a student at Southampton University, has joined the club and will start his first game at the Recreation Ground against Ventnor.

New Milton & District unveil former Tottonians pair Steve Broomfield and Andy Harding to their team before playing Swanage & Wareham II. They will be looking to further improve the form they showed under the Bournemouth floodlights on Tuesday evening.

Two matches in three days will increase Fareham Heathens' readiness for their Hampshire One challenge as they went to US Portsmouth last night before playing Andover II tomorrow at Cams Alders.

New captain Mark Steward and coach Viv White have looked long and hard at the team in pre-season and pronounced themselves pleased with the development shown by the squad. A handful of new signings will extend their confidence also.

Fawley welcome back scrum-half Jeff Plumley from a long-term injury and also Jason Jones to the squads' visit to Eastleigh.

However, the latter was away in Austria during midweek so skipper Andy Headley, who is out through a back injury, waits before naming his starting team.