Double blow for Gosport ahead of Twickenham trip

Wayne Dugan will not play again this season after the Hampshire Rugby Football Union extended his ban to six matches.

His brother Wes has seen his suspension increased to four games, which means he will be able to play before the end of the campaign.

But Gosport face a tough challenge in tomorrow’s crucial London one south match at Twickenham (3pm).

After their recent sending-offs against Tottonians, the club handed the duo two-week bans.

But the Hampshire Rugby Football Union decided that was not severe enough.

‘We have to take it and get on with it,’ said Gosport head coach Neil McRoberts.

‘Our focus is on the huge game at Twickenham and unfortunately we are again plagued by missing players.

‘Twickenham are bottom of the league and we have to see this as our best opportunity of getting out of the bottom three.

‘We are still without a win away from home this season and the clock is ticking on us getting out of the relegation zone.’

Fareham Heathens go to Chineham with league points and a place in the Hampshire Plate at stake.

Heathens coach Bernie Rhodes believes that brings added pressure.

‘A double-header is not ideal as we would approach a league fixture differently to a cup match,’ said Rhodes.

‘Ultimately, the fixture congestion has caused the issue so we just need to get on with it.

‘If we win we move on to two massive league games against title-rivals Bognor and Millbrook

‘However, if we lose our season will effectively be over.’

Heathens are without full-back Ryan Keary through injury, with Cary Aston, Rob Impey and Michael West also unavailable.

They hope Jarrod Hulett and Jonny Stoppard will return.

Hampshire one strugglers Petersfield and Locks Heath Pumas meet at Penns Place.