Four Hampshire sides go into the Powergen Intermediate Cup third round tomorrow with high hopes of progressing against Sussex rivals as the league season takes a back seat to a weekend of cup rugby.

Probably the biggest test will be for Hampshire Division 1 leaders New Milton & District, who travel to high-flying London Division 3 South-East side Brighton with a full strength side and support to match.

The battle of the day will be in the front-row where Hampshire Under-20 prospect Paul Eveleigh, 18, will come up against a man twice his age and vastly more experience in former Irish international Gary Halpin, who represented the men in green for six years from 1990.

The East Sussex side, who dismissed Petersfield in round two, can also call on ex-Gosport & Fareham, Harlequins and Havant back Andy Pinnock, so Norman Cracknell's side will have to be at their best if they are to create a surprise.

Rob Mangles returns for the Foresters, as does Andy Harding in the second row, adding bulk to the pack for a game which is being matched to that of the visit to Richmond last year.

"We have a coach-load going along and we are looking forward to playing them," said Cracknell. "If we can put up a good show like we did at Richmond last year, then I think everyone will be happy. I know that Paul is going to enjoy his experience against an international prop."

Tottonians will be without skipper Miles Northover and vice-captain Ali Ramus for the journey east to Crawley, who have fallen two divisions in the last two seasons and should be ripe for the taking.

Northover is still absent with his ankle injury while Ramus is on business in Japan. Otherwise, it looks like they will take a full strength side to the Surrey/Sussex border in hope of reaching round four.

Winchester have resisted the temptation of postponing their Hampshire Cup game and play Eastbourne tomorrow in the Intermediate Cup before hosting Farnborough 24 hours later in the Worthington's.

Coach Mike Marchant, who will be keen to give a game to all the huge squad of 35 players he has named for the two days' rugby, stresses neither side will be a second XV.

Stuart Moreton, the Hampshire Under-20 Championship winning prop, injured since pre-season, makes his first appearance of the season, as does his brother, Barry. Peter Brittan, Alex Hayes, James Cooke and Ben Sadowski are all included also.

Another new name in the gold and black ranks is that of Italian Filippo Virgili, a recent signing from Havant.

Portsmouth probably have an easier draw but are not taking Bognor lightly and name a predominantly young side for the short hop across the county border.

James Pegler and John Garrett are recalled in the pack, as is prop Dave Thomas, who makes his first start of this season having recovered from a broken arm he sustained in March. Ironically, he makes his return at his old club.

Third team flanker Gavin Bunker and colts centre Tim Snowden, a home grown youngster, are given their chance to shine as coach Ian Chandler explains: "We are determined to bounce back after last week's disappointing performance, especially with some stiff games in the league ahead."