Knight looking forward to end-of-season spice

Havant coach Will Knight is relishing the prospect of two consecutive London one south derbies, starting with the visit to Tottonians tomorrow (3pm).
Steve CruddasSteve Cruddas
Steve Cruddas

This is followed by the much-awaited return game against Gosport & Fareham at Hooks Lane next weekend.

‘These two local derbies give an extra bit of spice to the end-of-season run-in,’ said Knight.

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‘It means, even though we are safe in mid-table, our season won’t be allowed to peter out.

‘Both games should allow us to maintain the necessary focus and intensity.

‘For us, at this stage, it is all about performances and making sure that we continue to improve.

‘I am looking for us to further develop the areas that have become strengths for us.

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‘In many ways it has been a successful season, although early on we dropped points in games that now we feel we could win.

‘We beat Tottonians in a tight affair at our place but they have only lost twice at home all season.

‘They are a good side who have done well in their first season at our level.’

Havant will field a strong squad despite making a number of changes due to the absence of Jerome Trail and Dan Mundham.

They are both on Hampshire under-20s duty.

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In the forwards, Luke Marks, Ross Parkin and Joe Davis all return to action.

Graeme Butterworth moves to his preferred position in the back-row and Steve Cruddas slots back in at hooker.

There is also a reshuffle in the three-quarters.

That sees Darren Bamford move to full-back, where he has played for the Royal Navy.

Pat Gains comes in on the wing and big Ben Brierley moves to the centre.

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n Havant Academy are aiming for a place in the final of the RFU National Cup as they travel to take on Nottingham Academy in the semi-finals.

n United Services Portsmouth visit London three south-west rivals Trojans in the semi-finals of the Hampshire Bowl.

n Hampshire under-20s can book themselves a Twickenham final by beating Dorset & Wilts in their semi-final at Overton RFC (2-30pm).

n On Sunday, Hampshire under-15s are in action when they host Dorset & Wilts at Gosport Park (1-15pm).