Havant could face 'one of the toughest tests' left this season at Belsize Park as they chase the championship

Will Knight rates the London One South game at Belsize Park as one of the toughest Havant have left to face this season.
Wes Dugan. Picture: Vernon Nash (040120-038)Wes Dugan. Picture: Vernon Nash (040120-038)
Wes Dugan. Picture: Vernon Nash (040120-038)

The sixth-placed hosts usually play their games in Regents Park in the heart of London.

There is a possibility, however, if the Royal Parks Commission decide the pitch is unfit that the game will be switched to Chiswick RFC.

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Knight believes that, wherever it is played, Havant will need to be at their very best.

‘This will be a real testing game for us,’ said the coach.

‘Belsize Park have already thrown in some great results against top teams this season.

‘On their day, they can obviously be a handful for anyone.

‘We will have to play to our highest standards.

‘Having worked hard to get where we are, we don't want to let it slip.

‘One of the advantages of being top of the league is that you have a modicum of control on your fate.

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‘If you keep playing well, churning out the results, it makes it very difficult for other teams to catch you.

‘We are under no illusions as to the fact that we have no easy games left.

‘Our run-in is a tough one.

‘In fact, our run-in might be regarded as slightly more difficult than our main challengers.

‘The main thing for us is to keep working hard and to maintain our focus.’

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Havant make changes from the team that beat Camberley 26-25 at Hooks Lane last weekend.

In the front row, Scott Bentley comes in on rotation with Andrea Pozzi reverting to the bench.

Ross Parkin is unavailable so Harrison Young slots back into the second row.

In the back-row, Joe Davis is unavailable so Will Owen is drafted in.

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Wes Dugan takes his turn at scrum half with Jake Hewitt on the bench.

Winger Harry Carr picked up a knock against Camberley so Rory Penfold takes his place.

In London Three South-West, Gosport & Fareham are in Hampshire derby action at Basingstoke.

The Blue and Golds are second from bottom and facing a desperate fight to avoid relegation.

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