Basildon's bid to face fellow London League Three high-fliers Rochford in the Essex Cup Final has reached crunch time - with Sunday's enticing last-four tie at home to a side struggling in the division above them.

The new towners, fourth-placed in L3 North East but by far the leading scorers, will still be without skipper Jamie Howard for the visit of Chingford, who have won just three of their 15 L2 games.

However, Basildon are otherwise at full strength and must surely be narrow favourites.

Sixth-placed London League One side Thurrock have everyone available for arguably their biggest game of the season - Sunday's Eastern Counties Cup semi-final at Norwich.

Rochford , meanwhile, who are facing their first ever Essex Cup Final, had hoped to play Southend in a friendly on Saturday, but that game fell through.

Nonetheless, Rochford and Southend meet in the lower ranks - starting with a second team clash at the seasiders' ground.

Rochford spokesman Rosemary Daly said: "It's been decided to rest the first team, but the second-team match against Southend Priors should be an exciting and enjoyable encounter."

The break gives Southend a week to reflect on relegation to London League Two - and their one remaining chance to record an L1 win, at home to Cheshunt on March 27.

Rochford Bs (fourths) are preparing for their second successive final in the Shepherd & Neame Floodlit Competition - this year at Southend's Warners Park at 7.30pm on Monday.

L3 side Canvey , who visit second-placed Eastern Counties Two side South Woodham in a friendly, are without Jamie Saunders (bad ankle) and possibly four or five other injury victims.

Mid-table Eastern Counties One side Westcliff are at home on Saturday to Campion, who, in sixth spot, are a place below Rochford in L3.

Martin Ayres comes in for unavailable lock forward Paul Edwards, with the club's director of rugby, Darren Morrant, saying: "Martin's been playing well and deserves his chance."

Scrum-half Simon Wells returns, while James Evans reverts to centre and Darren Samways steps down to the second XV.

Westcliff under-17s bid to win the county cup final for the third successive year - against Woodford every time.

This season Woodford have narrowly avenged the earlier two cup final losses, but Westcliff manager Paul Charman stressed: "We were much weakened for that match and we're confident of winning the final."

Eastern Counties under-18 stars Peter Cammidge and Adam Davis are available in a full-strength Westcliff side.

Eastern Counties Two champions Billericay were today making ticket arrangements for their Tetley's Bitter Vase Final at Twickenham on April 17 against Solihull side Silhillians.

Billericay are unlikely to have a friendly this weekend.

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