Basildon must overcome the notoriously tiring journey to Norfolk outfit Holt as they continue their drive up the League table.

Holt are one of London League Three's most inconsistent teams, but their home form is strong because south Essex-based teams often turn up to Bridge Road a touch jaded after the long trip.

Basildon are further handicapped by an injury to influential outside-half Matthew Tilson, who pulled a hamstring in last weekend's Essex Cup win at Eton Manor. John Chapman steps in as replacement.

Rochford must also travel to Norfolk for their London League Three encounter against high-flying Wymondham.

A win for Rochford would put them back in the top four with games in hand, but Wymondham are a strong side and have genuine claims on the League title.

Nonetheless, Rochford are buzzing after last weekend's friendly win over London Two side Romford & Gidea Park and welcome back wing Neil Cushing from an ankle injury.

London Two side Southend are hoping a switch of position for Ed Rowe will make all the difference as they return to League action at home to fellow strugglers Old Merchant Taylors (2.15pm).

The former Richmond player has been playing in several backfield positions this year, but made a huge impact when he grabbed a couple of tries playing as a scrum-half in last weekend's friendly defeat of Maldon.

Emerging fly-half talent Rob Rees retains his place in the starting line-up as Thurrock take on Winchester at Oakfield in tomorrow's crucial London League One clash (kick-off 2.30pm).

Rees made his debut in last weekend's narrow 15-11 victory over Havant and has impressed enough to fight off the claims of the man he replaced, Steve Morritt, who is back in contention after injury problems.

Morritt instead takes over at full-back from Anthony Stephenson, with fit-again Ben Siaw resuming on the left wing and Grant Greatrix relegated to the bench.

Thurrock trail second-placed Winchester by four points and a fourth win in a row in Saturday's match would boost their mission to finish in the top six.

Stanford-le-Hope head for Gloucester on Saturday as they attempt to keep their Twickenham dream alive in the sixth round of the Tetley's Bitter Vase.

The Eastern Counties side, who celebrate their 25th anniversary this season, take on Painswick with a place at rugby HQ firmly in their sights. A win would put Stanford in the quarter-finals.

Eastern Counties One side Westcliff give late fitness tests to key players as they prepare to take on second-placed Woodbridge at The Gables (2.15pm). Centre Eli Mashmore (head) and prop Rick Compton (ankle) are the main concerns as the club looks to bounce back from last week's 61-0 Essex Cup mauling by Canvey Island.

Building strongly - Canvey Island have received a boost from Purfleet firm Embassy Scaffolding, who have become the team's kit sponsor

Picture: MIKE NEVILLE

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.