Havant looking to enjoy home comforts as Sevenoaks visit

Will Knight believes the London one south visit of Sevenoaks provides the perfect opportunity for Havant to regain their mojo.
Jake Hewett switches from wing to scrum-half for Havant. Picture: Keith WoodlandJake Hewett switches from wing to scrum-half for Havant. Picture: Keith Woodland
Jake Hewett switches from wing to scrum-half for Havant. Picture: Keith Woodland

They need to get a few wins together to ensure they move up the table.

But the Kent visitors are a dangerous side.

They beat the league leaders last time out and will be confident heading to Hooks Lane for Saturday's match (3pm).

Knight is backing his team to rise to the challenge.

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He said: '˜It is always good to play against teams at the top end of the league.

'˜We have to see this as an opportunity to put in a good performance and get a result.

'˜So far we have not had the season that we have been hoping for.

'˜There are a lot of colliding factors that have brought that about, not least having to play all but one of our games away from home.

'˜Unavailability and injuries have also contributed.

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'˜We have had some key players missing and that's made a big difference.

'˜After the difficult first part of the season we are realistic about what we can achieve this season.

'˜In reality we are in the relegation zone and need to start picking up wins to climb the league.

'˜We are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel with players returning from injury and better availability.'

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Havant celebrated their first ever game on the artificial grass pitch with a win against Hove.

Now they will be equally keen to add a second scalp in front of their faithful fans.

Knight admits playing on the different surface is different and the players are still coming to terms with it.

He added: '˜The more we play on it the better we will get.'

The home side are boosted by the inclusion of the vastly experienced Steve Cruddas in the back-row.

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With Harrison Young still struggling with a knee injury Dan Porter continues in the second row.

Havant also make a number of switches in their three-quarter line.

Jake Hewett moves from wing to scrum-half and Joel Knight starts at outside-half.

Winger James Wise and centre Wayne Dugan are also back in the side.

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Knight added: '˜We are trying to see if the changes in the backs can increase their effectiveness.

'˜Our back line should be capable of causing some damage.

'˜Having Steve Cruddas back is also a big plus for us.

'˜His leadership can help us move forward.'