Another tough test for Gosport & Fareham

Barry Bridgman accepts relegation is almost certain after his side failed to register a single win in the first half of the season.

The head coach acknowledges his team, who have been badly hit by injury and unavailability, are not good enough to compete at this level.

So far they have managed to pick up just a single bonus point in 13 straight defeats.

Bridgman was particularly disappointed with their latest reverse against Maidstone at Gosport Park.

‘It was disappointing because at half-time we were still in with a shout,’ he said.

‘We were winning ball quite well and had some good passages of play.

‘It fell apart with two yellow cards and then fitness and tiredness let us down.

‘In the last 20 minutes we started to fall off our tackles.

‘I can’t fault any of the players for their effort, guts and determination.

‘Tottonians will be another tough proposition for us.

‘Mathematically it is possible we can stay up but it is extremely unlikely.

‘To stay up we will need to beat Dover, Brighton and Chiswick and pick up points from somewhere else without them winning again.

‘To be reasonable, that is not going to happen.’

Fareham Heathens visit the Isle of Wight looking to turn their Hampshire One season around.

Three straight defeats have left Heathens in mid-table and needing a win.

‘It is important we come back with something to show for our efforts,’ said director of rugby Bernie Rhodes.

‘We have suffered from more disruption than usual.

‘Isle of Wight are never easy opponents, particularly at home, and they have been scoring points for fun.

‘We will need to stick to our task and game plan if we are to get back to winning ways.

‘Things should improve in the new year when we expect to get a few more players back.’

Locks Heath Pumas host Kingsclere at Brookfield School in Hampshire two.