THE difference between victory and defeat this weekend could be the difference between safety and the drop as the heat is turned up even more in Hampshire Division One.

Two rounds of matches remain and while those clubs on 16 points at the top end of the table feel they are already in the comfort zone, those just a couple of points behind are still breathing heavily.

It is still uncertain how many teams will be relegated, although it is looking more likely to be either two or three, given the latest information.

Millbrook know that tomorrow's game with Fareham Heathens is absolutely vital for their cause and a win will effectively cement their place in the league for another season.

But they have been dealt a blow with the news that their recent signings, Dave Lamb and Lee Taylor, are ineligible as they missed the RFU deadline window. Adam Cripps and Wayne Renwick are also out but Alan Day is back and slots into fly-half.

Skipper Dean Weaver has told his side the importance of this game. "Everyone is aware of what we need to do, but we don't want is to leave it until the last game against Trojans to stay up."

Third bottom New Milton & District are back to full strength for the meeting with play-off assured Sandown & Shanklin as scrum-half Tom Humphreys and number eight Jamie Ramsey make their returns.

While Farnborough, who sandwich Millbrook and the Foresters could be assisted by US Portsmouth's unavailability problems for their game.

Services' navy personnel and students are still on their respective Easter leave so they are forced to wait until nearer kick-off before naming their side.

The only match that has no consequence to promotion or relegation sees weakened champions Trojans take on sunken Alresford.

Trojans given a full league debut to former Edinburgh Wanderers flanker Dave Adamson as James Pennington, Nigel LeBas, Tim Zeale and Ian Hudson all sit out the game as does Tom Mackintosh.

Adrian Smith, Ben Collins, Mark Rugman and Tim Higham get starts as coach Pete Surtees gives the fringe players a chance. "There is nothing riding on this game," he said, "so there is no better chance."