Around 1,000 spectators are expected to be at Down Grange, as Basingstoke aim for an instant return to the National leagues as they tackle South West One runners-up Dings Crusaders.

Following their relegation from National Three South 12 months ago under former England and Bath lock Nigel Redman, Kiwi Ian Calder has masterminded a second place slot in London One behind champions Havant.

And now they have the opportunity to bounce straight back to the big time, if they can dispose of the challenge of their Bristol-based opponents.

Calder names a full strength side, with the exception of lock Steve Drawbridge, who is on duty in Afghanistan with the Army. His place goes to Andy Wilson in an otherwise familiar line-up.

The former New Zealand provinces star, who is in discussions over a renewal of his initial one-year contract at Down Grange, is expecting a big performance from his side. "We have had two reports about Dings," he said, "From what I gather, they are like Thanet.

"A big, physical side up front with a useful fly-half. But I think if we can get our own game right, we will be fine. It is like a cup final to us and with 400 people sitting down to lunch, we hope to provide the entertainment on the field."

With 11 of their players on the Solent Barbarians' long-arranged tour to Bulgaria that left on Tuesday morning, Portsmouth have been left with the bare bones of a squad to tackle Southend for the right to play in London 1.

Requests for a switch in date from Director of Rugby Nigel Morgan to the Essex side were unsuccessful, so he names a squad of 19 made up of second XV, veterans and those not travelling.

If being without the bulk of the first XV was not bad enough, he has serious doubts over stand-in skipper Nick Ettery and scrum-half Mike Caspall; the latter is rated as extremely doubtful.

Vets skipper Bernie Mallender stands by in case Caspall does not make it, while former Bath and Bristol centre Alun Rees will partner Steve Cox in midfield.

"Rules are rules and unfortunately, we have fallen foul of them," said Morgan.

"But we are not going up there just to play the game. It is not always the case that the better or stronger side on the day wins.

"We are going to give it a go and do exactly the same as if we were at full strength. The players want to do really well in the absence of the others. We could have done with a few of them staying here to play."