THEY lost to Farnborough in the Plate final of 1995 and to Romsey two years ago in the Bowl. So Millbrook will be searching to make it third time lucky when they receive Guernsey in the Hampshire Caffrey's Bowl showpiece on Sunday.

On both previous occasions, the trophy arrived and left the Lordshill Recreation Ground with the visitors, but this time, Millbrook want it to stay put and adorn the clubhouse cabinet.

By full-time, with the kick-off at 1pm to cater for Guernsey's return flight, they hope to have succeeded.

However, having been well beaten by their Channel Island opponents just six days ago on Guernsey, they go into this game as marked underdogs, even though Dave Wallis's men have already tasted defeat in this corner of Hampshire this season.

A nail-biting 20-17 win for Millbrook in the league back on October 6 has given them something to go on, but team manager Alan Day knows his charges will have a tough assignment to break the free-flowing green and white hoops.

Millbrook are forced to gamble on the fitness of fly-half Wayne Renwick and winger Richard Wyre, the latter having missed the flight over last weekend through injury while Renwick is still struggling with a knee tear.

Prop Sonny Bedwell replaces Kevin Byatt in the front row, Bedwell having pulled out of the trip to St Peter Port. Shannon Passingham, who is getting quite a reputation having seen off six different prop opponents in the last two weeks, will join him!

Guernsey, who still have a keen eye on the Hampshire 1 play-off berth, are at full strength, including Scottish Exiles full-back Gareth Andrews and their prolific back line that cut the Millbrook defence to ribbons.

Day is hoping for a home win to brighten the spirits within the club and make it a day to remember.

"Third time in the final and third time at home - it has to be our turn this time!" he jested.

"We know what to expect," he continued, "we saw plenty of what they are capable of last week but we did not have three key players in the side, so they could be in for a bit of a surprise.

"Sonny (Bedwell) was not there and nor was Richie Wyre. We had the edge in the forwards, but with Sonny back, that will strengthen us further. But we are risking Renwick and Wyre but with six replacements available, we can hope they come through.

"An early meet and a chance to sit down and chat about the game and what we want to do will put us in the right frame of mind but, having been disappointed by the turn-out at training, I hope we can do ourselves justice."

With their league place safe, the Bowl will give the Millbrook club a great boost and they are confident, if not supremely, of wiping the memory of 1995 and 2000 away.

"Some people have points to prove," concluded Day, "Sunday would be a good day to do it."