With no cup game due to their withdrawal from the competition last season, Tottonians take the opportunity to experiment with their squad for crucial league games ahead.

With skipper Paul Goodall sidelined by a shoulder injury - not as bad as previously feared - his brother Martin switches to scrum-half. Paul's place would have gone to Joe Jarvis but the youngster followed him to the treatment table with a similar shoulder tear.

Many will be looking at new French signing Ange Millene, who has joined the club with National Division Three experience.

While he can't play in the league side for a couple of weeks due to the qualification period for new overseas signings, he will be watched keenly. "He looks a good player in training," said the injured skipper.

Sean Finning, who played for Cobham and Hampshire Under-20 last season, has also joined and takes a place on the replacements bench while James Weeks is back to fit in at fly-half.

"We have a good record at Bournemouth," believes Goodall, "so we are looking to this game to firm up moves and get ourselves prepared for the games coming up."

Stoneham welcome Merit Table Division Two opposition Ryde to the Lane for their final preparation fixture before the league and coach Tiernan Simmons is looking for a continued improvement.

Against a young Ryde outfit, he is expecting plenty of movement around the park from his side but lists just 15 players - albeit a full first-team squad.

The only players missing are himself, on a long weekend away, and vice-captain Noble Argue, who is at a wedding.