RUGBY: On the face of it this is a no-win weekend for North Walsham as they entertain second-placed Barnes at Scottow. The London side, relegated last term, have quickly re-grouped and have been title contenders all season and their two defeats leave them just a single point behind Hertford thanks to gaining 20 bonus points in 22 games.

The Vikings who, but for injuries to key players, were playing well enough to win last weekend will, however, give it their best shot although the potential loss of four key players will hit them hard.

Lee Sandberg was due to play for Sweden but even had he been available it is extremely doubtful that he would be allowed to play.

Both centres, Jamie Burroughs and Jack Hoyles, are doubtful. Hoyles picked up a dead-leg at the end of the first half and Burroughs played the last 50 minutes tackling one-armed as his shoulder had popped out and been pushed back in.

Outside half Jake harris had five stitches in a head wound and could play with a head guard but also suffered an ankle injury in the second half. Flanker Tom Coller also picked up a shoulder injury.

So Nick Greenhall's resources will be stretched to the limit as he tries to plug the gaps.

The Raiders should be entertaining Ruislip in a Merit Table game but sides are unwilling to travel long distances so that one is in the balance.

The Warriors, who gained revenge for an early season defeat by beating Norwich Union in a high scoring game, entertain Norwich Lions.

Ealing Trailfinders U17 7, North Walsham U17 24

A depleted squad easily moved into the semi-finals of the London Division Bowl with a four-tries-to-one win over a full strength side.

Walsham were on top in all areas bar the line-outs. The backs handled beautifully, errors were few and the first-up tackling kept the home side on short rations. The main strengths were the mauls which were driven at pace, the counter-rucking which won turnover ball and the kick-chase which gained ground and possession.

Toby Fletcher (unconverted), Max Moore (converted Harry Barrett), Jimmy Randell and Henry Harrison (converted Fletcher) got the tries.

The semi-final is away to Brentwood on March 20.