If it is festive cheer, full of fun and frolics that you are looking for, then Hooks Lane, the home of Havant Rugby Club may not be your ideal pre-Christmas Saturday's entertainment, as they tackle their deadly county rivals Basingstoke in a huge National League Division Three meeting.

There is absolutely no love lost between the pair and there will be none shown tomorrow either, as both sides are in desperate need of a victory to improve their chances of keeping clear of the relegation swamp.

It is difficult to choose a winner, though, given recent form. Havant have won just two of their last eight league games while their rivals have collected the points in just two of their last seven.

A win for the visitors will see them draw level with Havant on points going into a vital new year period.

With tough fixtures ahead - both still have to play leaders Rosslyn Park, second-placed Lydney and Blackheath, in fifth, twice - the need for a win has never been greater for either.

Injuries galore continue to ravage Havant's squad, while the one-week banning of Matthew Kell for three yellow cards means a start for Andy Short in the back row. Adrian Mitchell returns after attending David Jones' wedding, although the scrum-half is still honeymooning.

Sussex prop Paddy Conlon retains his place with Steve Jack missing out on the overseas ruling - South African duo Anton Petzer and Nick Cooper holding down the foreigners places.

Zimbabwean Wes Robertson is naturalised having lived in Cornwall for a number of years.

Basingstoke have little in the way of problems and are able to call on Kiwi fireman centre Barry Kirwan, who move Jason Rees to the wing while Nigel Hooker comes in for the holidaying Steve Drawbridge.

"We are lucky in that respect to have Nigel back to slot straight back into the starting line-up," comments director of rugby Ian Calder. "But this will be a typical local derby for sure, a game that sorts out the pecking order of county dominance."

"My hope, though, is that rugby comes through on the day as these games have a tendency of being a bit dour, but we know a win is important to us and will be going out to get it."

Havant's chairman of rugby, Adam King, is under no illusions about the task ahead.

"Putting aside the local derby status of the game, we have great respect for Basingstoke but we are both scrapping for vital league points, so there is added pressure," he said.

Coach Dave Cook, who wants passion from his side, said: "If the team shows the same pride in wearing the Havant shirts as they did at Old Patesians last week and concentrates on the chances, then the two points can be ground out."

Kick-off is 2.15pm - it should be a cracker!