H & B joy at trophy fixture switch

It was finally decided on Wednesday night that their clash away to Sussex Division One rivals Crawley will take place on Sunday March 5.

The clubs had been at loggerheads for several days because H&B, who were without a competitive match this weekend, wanted to play this Sunday, while Crawley, who visit Pulborough in the league tomorrow (Saturday), had wanted to wait until the following Sunday - 24 hours after H&B's potential league decider against Crowborough.

Competition rules state, however, that re-arranged matches - as this last eight tie has become following Saturday's postponement due to a waterlogged pitch - must take place on the first available date.

"We definitely wanted to play it this Sunday," said H&B captain Kit Claughton. "I really didn't want to play it next week - I think it would have been hard to win both games.

"Playing the game this week will be perfect preparation for the Crowborough game, but I don't think there's a risk of players thinking a week ahead."

Kris Dempster and Ben Davies are both fit and Dave Milham is back in contention, but Piers Claughton is still on holiday. Kick-off at Willoughby Fields is 2pm.

The winners will visit London Three South East top half outfit Bognor, who hammered London Four South East promotion-seekers Hove 71-18 in their quarter-final on Saturday, in the last four on March 18. The other semi-final is between London Division One giants Worthing and London Division Two side Lewes.