Portsmouth News

All set for some festive ferocities

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Will Knight is predicting a pre-Christmas cracker as London One South leaders Havant travel the short distance to Chichester.

The south coast derby is a game that is always fiercely contested.

Knight expects it to be no different as his side aim to finish the year in top spot.

To do that a win will be essential as Westcombe Park and Camberley are breathing down their necks.

'This is a cracking way to go into the Christmas break,' said Knight. 'The whole squad is excited by this one because games against Chichester always have a bit more edge to them.

'We have had some fierce battles against them and we have not had a lot of success there in recent years.

'We beat them well at our place at the start of the season but we have great respect for them as a team.

'We go there as leaders, which is a great position to be in, but we’re determined to keep our feet on the floor.

'Chichester beat Camberley recently so we know they can be dangerous.

'We know that we can't afford to get too carried away by where we are.'

Havant make a number of changes from the side that beat KCS Old Boys last weekend.

Jerome Trail, who celebrated his 100th league appearance in the last outing, moves from hooker to back-row.

In the front row Sean Shepherd slots in at hooker for his first game in a while.

Shepherd featured earlier in the season but appearance­s have been limited due to his Royal Navy duties.

The visitors are also able to call upon the vast experience of Steve Cruddas in the back-row.

'Steve is probably our most experience­d player and is an out and out opened wing forward,' said Knight. 'That is what got him the nod ahead of Will Owen who we will use as an impact player off the bench. Joe Moore re-appears at inside centre partnering Scott Morris. Wayne Dugan is suspended after being sent off against KCS. wins for Havant in their last five derbies with Chichester

James Wise and Harry Carr fill the wing berths with Ben Chambers at full-back.

Recent derbies have seen honours almost shared, with three Chi wins and two Havant successes.

Havant thrashed Chichester 41-19 in their first home game of the season back in September, but in 2018/19 were beaten twice - 28-19 at Hooks Lane and 39-32 at Chi.

The previous season, 2017/18, saw both teams win their home matches.

 ??  ?? GOING FOR THE DOUBLE Action from Havant’s Hooks Lane win against Chichester in September
GOING FOR THE DOUBLE Action from Havant’s Hooks Lane win against Chichester in September

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