SUSSEX star Andy Cook can revel in a new role as Haywards Heath bid to keep their title hopes flickering this afternoon.

Heath visit Maidstone in London Two South's game of the day as both sides look to keep the heat on leaders Canterbury.

Cook could be a pivotal figure as he starts at scrum half for the first time following Alex Meredith's departure to Ireland.

Richard Hudson, who wore nine against Warlingham recently, moves to the back row as Damian Lyall switches to lock in the absence of Dave Atkin and Alex Gander.

Skipper Henry Goodburn realises it is a massive match and is convinced Cook and Lyall can rise to the occasion.

He said: "Andy is great around the base of the scrum. He gets round off an angle and makes 20 yards at a time.

"I'm quite happy to move Damian to second row as a one-off because he gives us more power there.

"This game is absolutely key. We know they are strong and they have got a good pair of centres so they will move the ball as far as them at least."

Lewes skipper Gordon Denslow has been struggling with a cold this week but more doubtful for the tough home game with Alton are Ross Armour, Ali Coombe and Mark Wignall. Prop Chris Sherwood is unavailable.

Top game in London Three South East sees Crawley bid to maintain their good run by defeating title chasers Cranbrook at Willoughby Fields.

The Kent side have not lost since the opening day, when Tunbridge Wells took them apart 27-15, while Crawley have been unstoppable for four months.

The hosts will be keeping a careful eye on the arrivals board at Gatwick before naming their side.

Influential outside half Justin Kemp-Gee is due back from a ski-ing holiday this morning and, barring any flight delays or injuries picked up on the piste, will be rushed straight to the ground and sent out for action.

Assistant coach Paddy Constance said: "We'd love him to play and his kit's already at the club waiting for him."

Crawley are without scrum halves Paul Jones and Andy Jenn so Charlie Lee comes into the side.

Brighton expect to welcome back locks Danie Venter and Mark Gibb for the home clash with East Grinstead, for whom scrum half Arnaud Sehnebaide is a long term casualty with a broken collar bone.

It's another big test of the home side's title credentials and coach Ian Watkins admitted: "Grinstead will be very difficult to beat.

"They are a quality side. With the players they have got, I can't understand why they are not in the top two or three."

Gs' John O'Brien added: "It's going to get pretty fierce from now on because we are one of the sides in danger of missing the cut for next season."

Worthing's trip to Eastbourne is another interesting tussle as coach Tim Mackew bids to pick his side up from their defeat by Brighton.

He admitted: "I still can't believe we didn't win that but, if anything, this match is even more important, because our place in Division Three is at stake."

Jamie Newhouse has recovered from flu and returns at No8 with Aaron DeBoer switching to blindside flanker.

Hove believe they may have to stay out the bottom three to avoid relegation, which makes the home clash with Beccehamians a four-pointer.

For Horsham, meanwhile, the target is simply a first win and they may give Dave Howart a surprise debut at home to Folkestone.

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