Fierce rivals Trojans and Eastleigh come face-to-face in league action tomorrow for the first time in almost seven years.

Eastleigh, who were knocked off the top of London 3 South-West last week, travel a couple of miles across town to Stoneham Park with the aim of securing local bragging rights.

The clubs last clashed in league competition in 2006 when they were both part of Hampshire 1 – a season that saw very different outcomes for the adversaries.

Trojans went on to win promotion and stepped up to London South-West 4 while Eastleigh dropped down to Hampshire 2.

And the clubs’ fortunes have also varied widely since their last league meeting.

Trojans made their way up to London 1 South before tumbling back down to their current level, while Eastleigh have made steady progress to battle back to SW3.

They also claimed the Gales HSB Hampshire Bowl earlier this year.

The sides have met once since their last league encounter – Eastleigh claiming the spoils in the Hampshire Cup two years ago.

And Eastleigh have made the steadier start to this campaign, slipping up for the first time last week at home to Old Mid-Whitgiftian and losing pole position.

Eastleigh captain Paul Fudio was in the side that beat Trojans in the cup game two years ago and he has brushed off injury to make the starting line-up tomorrow.

Also back in the firsts is centre Adam Gallagher who featured most of last season.

Fudio said: “We are trying to take the emotion out of this game a little bit.

“We had a setback last week and are trying to make amends.

“We do not want to over-hype it because we know what the rivalry is like in a derby – we have to keep our heads.”

Injuries and unavailability have forced Trojans to make a few changes for the game but second row Jack Murphy makes a start after two weeks out with injury and two backs who have not been available this term are also in the line-up.

Coach Dean Lewis said: “It does not really bother me who we play. As I always say, it is another game of rugby and we are looking forward to a home game and hope the weather is good for it.”

Old Tiffinians jumped into top spot last week and defend their new position at home to Ellingham & Ringwood.