AFTER peaking into second place in Hampshire Division One a month ago, Millbrook have slipped down to mid-table following a disappointing run of form.
Three wins from their opening four of the campaign filled the west Southampton side with considerable hope, but two thumping defeats by Petersfield and Havant Dolphins in a friendly, joined by their poor showing at Sandown & Shanklin, has deflated that early promise.
Team manager Alan Day is desperate to turn these fortunes around, and is looking for a victory at Fareham Heathens to get their promotion hopes back on track.
He tries something different in formation for the journey to Cams Alders, which includes a recall for himself at scrum-half and for Steve Blewitt at tight-head prop.
Day is still frustrated by the lack of willing his side is currently producing. He said: "We need to start putting some pressure on players within the side; to get some competition for places going.
"Maybe this will get the players back to training, fighting for the place. The regular trainers, like Dean Weaver, are playing so well at the moment but even he is starting to struggle following the recent downturn."
Heathens have the non-Guernsey travellers back in their squad, while offering a debut to Richard Burlingham, a recent signing to the club, who will play if his registration comes through in time.
Trevor Illingworth, Niall Allardice, John Stallen, Hywel Lewis and Rob Monk all return to the starting line-up, with others, including skipper Paul Charlson at flanker returning to their preferred positions.
Table-toppers Petersfield have an awkward journey to Sandown & Shanklin to contend with, so Southampton will be keeping a beady eye on events on the Island when they travel to Nomads.
Work commitments and injuries decimate the Saints starting XV, with six changes coming from the side due to meet Hamble last weekend.
Second team captain Pete Laycock replaces Marcus Coffin, Mark Mauger comes in for Nick Timms and Dave Ingram steps aside for Alan Butler.
Alex Scott, Tim Morgan and Simon Richards are recalled also; Pete James, Ioan Raymond and Jason Kehoe making way.
It is another trip into the unknown for the city side. "We are not sure what to expect with Nomads," said full-back Dave Griffiths.
"I cannot remember us playing them at first team level.
"Hopefully, though, we will get a competitive game in, unlike last week scheduled game with Hamble."
Nomads themselves are coming off the back of an "absolutely disastrous performance" against Romsey last week, according to their coach Barry Bridgman.
Former captain Adam Stanley starts alongside Chris Wood, both of whom sat on the bench at the Sports Centre.
"We have been working hard during the week to avenge that performance," added the coach.
Romsey, having bounced up to sixth with three straight league victories could make it four by disposing of basement dwellers Fawley on the Waterside.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article