Sixteen league clubs set out on the road for Hampshire Gales Plate silverware late last year.

But they will all sit on the sidelines on Sunday as non-league University of Southampton and Jersey United Banks battle it out for the honours.

The pair, who have disposed of Hampshire competition on their way to the showpiece, will play the first ever league-less final in the tournament's history.

Naturally, both are excited at the prospect of shining on behalf of their respective competitions.

The Banks side, former members of Hampshire Two and now playing out of the Emeraudes Channel Islands League, will be bringing over 50 spectators on two chartered planes.

The students will also be packing the sidelines as many of their squad will be making their swansong as they bid farewell to university life.

'Wessex' will be without Hampshire Under-20s flanker Adrian Tomsa, who broke his nose during the county's victory over the Army last week, and winger Tom Kenwood is also out through injury.

But the influential Ben Holdsworth returns, albeit only on the bench, having missed the semi-final.

The visitors are minus Alastair Hunter, who pulled a hamstring in the semi-final success over New Milton & District but they name a full strength squad otherwise, having rested a number of their players for their league defeat against Jersey Wanderers last week.

Tottonians and University centre James Weeks is keen for his side to pull through and extend their recent good form, which saw them defeat their local rivals from the Institute 35-5 on Tuesday in their 'Varsity match'.

"This final is a great opportunity for us to enhance our reputation in Hampshire and we are thoroughly looking forward to the challenge of a team which we do not know that much about," he said.

"But we have a strong side out and we want to go out on a high as this is likely to be the last game for many of the players, including myself."

The Banks, however, will be looking to cause a major surprise and the excitement of the biggest game in their club's history has firmly gripped them.

"This is our strongest possible team and we are coming over to play our game," said skipper Julian deGruchy. "We have plenty of support coming to support us and this is a very exciting time for everyone involved in the club. This is truly a Banks effort, and we are looking forward to the experience."

Kick-off at the Wellington Sports Ground is at 3pm.