SUNDAY brings the start of the Hampshire clubs competitions but there will be just three games in the Preliminary round of the Gale's Plate as Stoneham have decided to withdraw.

A lack of front-row players available for the Sunday fixture and a wealth of injuries throughout their squad have forced the predominantly social side to award the fixture to Hampshire Division Two leaders Ventnor.

University of Southampton return to county cup action for the first time in a number of years and they will challenge Merit Table Division Two outfit Ryde.

Fordingbridge have a tough weekend with two games in two days following their Junior Vase clash with Nomads by travelling to Chineham and skipper Phil Collier, who tried to get the match moved but failed, knows that his side can prevail in both games.

He realises his side will have the disadvantage over their north Hampshire opponents, but will pick mainly the same side that take to the field in Portsmouth the day before barring injury.

"Both will be tough games," he said. "But we can come through them."