THE start of the Six Nations coincides with a break from local league action tomorrow as a handful of clubs prepare for their respective Hampshire cup semi-finals on Sunday.

In the main competition - the Gales Cup - holders Havant are already through to the final after Winchester decided to withdraw from their high-profile semi-final clash.

It comes after the league ordered them to replay their London three South West game with Old Reigatian tomorrow after the original contest two weeks ago was reduced to unopposed scrums.

League regulations state the game must be played on the next available Saturday and Winchester's appeal against the decision - they won the game 29-10 - has been rejected.

Still, the North Walls outfit are not going to let it linger. Club secretary Brian Postlethwaite admitted the decision had been a "bitter blow" after they thought they had taken a valuable scalp.

"Nevertheless, all that is history," he said. "Buoyed up by our second successive away league win last weekend, we attempt to prove the last win over Old Reigatians was no fluke. Winchester are playing supremely well at the moment and once again are able to select from strength. A large crowd is anticipated."

Hampshire RFU's competitions secretary John Collins explained that after debating long and hard they had to insist the cup game take place on Sunday or otherwise clutter an already congested season. As a result it was Winchester's decision to withdraw.

Familiar semi-finalists Andover and Basingstoke are drawn together in the other Gales Cup semi-final.

In the Gales Bowl semi-finals league standing will make Trojans favourites but they will be wary when they visit an in-form US Portsmouth. Petersfield play in the other semi-final against Hampshire One leaders Sandown and Shanklin who could yet cause an upset.

In the Gales Plate, Fareham Heathens will want to reach the final but will first have to overcome a Millbrook side who have proven tough to be at the Lordshill Rec.

In the other tie, New Milton will be favourites against the students of Southampton University Hospitals.