Daunting challenge for Gosport & Fareham in survival bid

The hosts have lost only once in the league all season and have amassed over 800 points in their 17 games.

Senior coach Barry Bridgman accepts it promises to be a difficult afternoon.

‘We have to expect a tough day at the office,’ said Bridgman. ‘Camberley are a very good side and have put lots and lots of points on everybody. Our aim is to be competitive.

‘It will depend on us starting well and keeping in the game as long as possible.

‘If we can be solid defensively at the start it will give us a chance.

‘Every team is fallible but this is a very tall order.

‘Importantly our fate won’t be decided by this one game.

‘We have other chances to change the way things have been going.

‘There are four games after this and we definitely have to win at least two of them and possibly three to stay up.’

In Snows Group Hampshire One Fareham Heathens travel to Alresford RFC.

Director of Rugby Bernie Rhodes said: ‘Alresford is always a tricky place to go and get a result.

‘They were promoted out of Hampshire Two last year and have had some good results. We will have to be at our best to come away with the points.

‘Last time out against Bognor we were disappointed and we will have to up our game to get a result”

Heathens will be at almost full strength for the fixture.

Head Coach Dave Wheaton said ‘We know what went wrong against Bognor and despite the result it was all about fine margins.

‘At Alresford we expect a physical game and are certainly ready for that.

‘If the weather permits we will stick to our game plan and I am confident going into the match we can bring the points home.

Subject to final selection, back row forward Inia Qiolevu will be playing his last game in a Heathens shirt, and Jonny Stoppard may feature for the first time in a few weeks.

Locks Heath Pumas face a difficult Hampshire Two home fixture against Chineham and the conditions may prove to be a leveller.

Acting Head Coach Kent Streek said: ‘Confidence is high with the team and we have regained our mojo following a few disappointing results before Christmas.’

Pumas again aim to field a settled side boosted with the return of Julian Beard to number eight, Ben Angell at full-back and John Pearson at hooker.