A DIFFICULT four weeks for Basingstoke rugby club begins tomorrow with a re-match against high-flying Sutton and Epsom.

Five weeks ago, the Surrey side inflicted a first home defeat this season at Down Grange, so revenge will be on the minds of tomorrow's visitors.

Sutton won 20-12 that day but Basingstoke bounced back with London division one wins at Thanet Wanderers and at home to Winchester.

Jason Rees scored two tries for Basingstoke against Sutton on a day when coach Ian Calder switched to full-back.

Tomorrow, for the trip to Cuddington Court, Calder assumes his regular fly-half berth, renewing his partnership with Scott Taylor because of the unavailability of Tom Dean.

Ash Riley is rested at hooker while Matt Evans keeps his place in a side which lost 41-30 to Reading in a friendly last Saturday.

"Matt has been training really well and deserves a chance," said Calder. "Ash Riley has played a lot of rugby, both here and in Australia, and there are a lot of games coming up."

Basingstoke will be bolstered by the return of former captain Phil Della-Savina, who came successfully through 40 minutes last week in his comeback after a shoulder injury.

Calder wants his side to focus for the full 80 minutes after allowing sides to come back at them in recent matches.

Victory tomorrow should lift Basingstoke above second-placed Sutton and gear them up for a home encounter against leaders Havant on February 9.

Before that, holders Basingstoke entertain Winchester in the opening round of the Hampshire Cup and then Staines in the league on January 5 before making the long trip to fellow title contenders Norwich a week later.

Basingstoke: C Norton; R Holmes, J Rees, N Taylor, G Jones; I Calder, S Taylor; N Young, M Evans, S Collins, S Drawbridge, N Hooker, P Della-Savina, R Baker (capt), M Reeve. Reps: R Joseph, A Riley, S Buttle.