IT is going to be a very busy weekend on the local rugby scene, with a number of rearranged league fixtures being played tomorrow and cup games in the two Hampshire knock-out competitions taking place on Sunday.

Two league games stand out tomorrow, Basingstoke's bid to halt a run of six consecutive National League 3 South home defeats when they host North Walsham and Nomads' Hampshire 2 promotion clash with Fareham Heathens at Farlington.

On Sunday, the match of the day in the Hampshire Caffrey's Cup first round should be Winchester's home tie with Portsmouth.

Both sides have problems with injuries and unavailability. Portsmouth have named the ubiquitous AN Other at hooker because, in the words of director of rugby Nigel Morgan: "We haven't a clue who will play there. Greg Hodgkiss is unavailable and we haven't another hooker."

Winchester also have problems through unavailability so Russell Churcher, Mark Hunter, Tom Pervin, Dave Budge and Matt Summerfield are drafted in to start the game.

Coach Kevin Gregory said: "We've had a few problems with availability, so with both teams below strength anything is possible. I've got confidence in the players coming in and they're all young so it's looking good for the future anyway."

Havant have named virtually a full-strength squad for the tie at Southampton, although regulars Leighton Bryant, Matt Kell and skipper, Adam Jewitt are not listed.

Even so, they should be far too strong for Southampton who are struggling to put a team together because of their horrendous injury list.

Southampton captain, Dave Griffiths confessed: "It's not looking too good.

"Let's hope we don't pick up any more injuries during the game. It looks like a damage limitation exercise."

Injuries are causing problems all-round and Trojans were only able to name a squad for their tie at Andover.

Kev Baker, Steve Wright, Andy Muscat, Martin Pearson and Pete Statham are added to the pack that saw duty last week, while a couple of potentially exciting newcomers, Tom Fickling and Jason Ruawai, are named in the backs.

Romsey will have their work cut-out to contain Gosport & Fareham, even with home advantage.

Anthony Garrett returns to the pack and Jonathan Heal in the backs, while John Shepherd is expected to have recovered from 'flu which means Simon Coe switches to the wing.

Second round Hampshire Caffrey's Bowl ties are also being played on Sunday and two struggling clubs meet in one of those. New Milton are suffering at the foot of Hampshire 1 and Eastleigh likewise in Hampshire 2, so a win would be a huge boost to morale for the victors.

Eastleigh welcome back skipper, Phil Campling, who would have missed last week's postponed game with Isle of Wight, otherwise the hosts go with an unchanged team.