ONE point stands between Havant and the regaining of their National League status they lost three years ago - and it can be achieved tomorrow at what is likely to be a packed Hooks Lane when Norwich visit.

In the biggest game for the south-east Hampshire side since the ill-fated trip to Cumbrian side Aspatria in 1993, Havant can clinch the coveted place among the country's elite 50 clubs with a win or a draw.

Skipper Joe Duffett, in his first season as captain, admitted the club has been visualising this day of late. Speaking after the Hampshire Cup final defeat to Basingstoke, he said, "Everyone knows the importance of this game.

"We just want to make sure it is a day to remember. I am sure there will be a massive crowd to cheer us on.

"While we are disappointed not to have won the cup, the celebrations that could greet a victory over Norwich will be twice as good."

With the President's Luncheon patrons boosting the vocal levels in the stand, it is a much-awaited day and one in which could see the bubbly burst in plentiful amount.

Coach Dave Cook welcomes back half-back pairing Stephen Claffey and David Jones while a fresh back row trio in Andy Short, Jon Barfoot and Dylan Raubenheimer all return having missed the cup final. Fifty-one-year-old prop Pete Whittle retains his place on the bench.

Basingstoke will take the play-off berth with victory over Winchester, who must now await developments in Nationals Two and Three before knowing their London One safety.

The cathedral city side need a victory and are hoping for a repeat of Cambridge's shock win over Ian Calder's men three weeks ago.

They know the dangers of the north Hampshire men, having been thrashed just after Christmas by them.

However, coach Mike Marchant knows this game will be nothing like that one. "It is going to be an interesting game. Basingstoke are not a one-man team in Calder, they have many other fine players. This game will have no reflection of that Hampshire Cup game though."

Interestingly, Winchester name prop Stuart Moreton as one of their replacements, but he is also listed in the Hampshire Under-20 line-up for their quarter-final of the County Championship at Oxfordshire.

For the first time in a number of years, the crunch local derby between rivals Portsmouth and Gosport & Fareham will not have something to hold for both sides, with Gosport now out of the promotion running.

A win for Ian Chandler's men will put them in the box seat for their winner-takes-all meeting with Canterbury next week, but both sides are considering resting key players in view of events forthcoming.

London Division Four South-West's unbeaten leaders Richmond are Trojans' opponents at Stoneham Lane and they could do with upsetting the apple cart in their own quest to beat the wavering drop line.

They are currently seventh, two points adrift of their nearest rivals but are hoping that the ease in which Richmond are winning this division will be their downfall. Their results of late have not been as clinical as earlier and this could be a chink in their armour.

"We will do our best," said coach Richard Cheal. "We are certainly going to lay down and die for them. Having played quite well up there, there is no reason why we should go out there and act as cannon fodder."

Tottonians could also do with the victory at fourth-placed Farnham, if only to make sure they end the season in a deserved third place.

Unfortunately for supporters of county rugby, Hampshire Under-20s County Championship Quarter-final against Oxfordshire at Gosford All Blacks rugby club has been brought forward to Saturday, courtesy of an RFU error.

Peter Allen's charges, who made their way through the group stages unbeaten, will be in for a test against the conquerors of a very good Dorset & Wiltshire side in their South West pool.

But Hampshire have the advantage of seeing off the reigning champions Surrey and the inclusion of many players with club first team experience, including ex-Havant flanker Ollie Mitchell and Hooks Lane youngsters Steve Cruddas, Ben Fiers and skipper Liam Davenport.

Kick-off at the north Oxford ground is 2.15 and further details can be obtained via the Hampshire RFU web-site at www.hampshirerugby.org