TROJANS lay their unbeaten Hampshire League 1 record on the line against at Stoneham Lane tomorrow in their toughest exmaination of the season so far.

They face a United Services side who are title material themselves despite having already lost once this term at Ventnor.

Trojans are handicapped by injuries and go into the game with debutants Ian Smith at hooker and Alastair Jones in the centre while the back-row has been revised due to the unavailability of Greg Tattersfield.

The other front runners in this section Ventnor and Petersfield lock horns at Petersfield.

Millbrook host Guernsey and can draw level with Services and Petersfield if either or both of those lose and Millbrook gain the expected victory. As the need for an early kick-off has hampered Millbrook's selection, they give league debuts to Frenchman Tommy Oresic at flanker and the promising Lee Davie in the centre.

Romsey host Isle of Wight in a bottom-of-the-table match. Romsey's squad of 18 has Australian John Rowbotham down to make his debut as hooker and Nick Roach almost certain to make his Romsey debut at flanker.

Hamble ought to maintain their unbeaten Hampshire 2 record at home to Chineham and could go top if Sandown lose at Overton. Hamble switch Nick Mucci to lock, which allows Mark Donaghey to return at number eight.

Eastleigh aim to make it three league wins out of three when they host Fareham Heathens. Dan Jackson returns at lock while Arthur Platt, Richard Whiley and James Hurley make up a new back-row combination.

Heathens have Rob Monk making his league debut at full-back after scoring a club debut try last week.

London 3 South West sees a South Coast derby with Southampton visiting Portsmouth. The hosts have many injury problems, with last week's cup hero Steve Jones now one of those sidelined. Luke Gregori, Steve Cox and Nick Ettery are all very doubtful and Paul Guyver and Neil Styles face fitness tests but Greg Hodgkiss and Brit Pearce definitely return.

As Southampton are without Neil McBride, Dave Ingram replaces him at flanker while Tony Cador and Martyn Sheridan switch to centre and wing respectively.

Tottonians entertain Cranleigh at the foot of the table. Totts have Matt Garlick making his league debut to partner the return of Matt Sheen at lock.

The fourth draw has been kind to the two Hampshire clubs remaining in their respective national knock-out competitions. Portsmouth's reward for their third round NPI Intermediate Cup giant-killing feat is a home tie with Old Merchant Taylors - a team from London 2 North.

Sandown & Shanklin have reached the fourth round of the Tetley's Bitter Junior Vase without playing a game in the competition to date. But they now face Betteshanger Colliery Welfare from Deal in Kent.

Both ties are scheduled for Saturday December 4.

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