Ian Davies admits he is bewildered by a change in attitude which has seen his Worthing side throw away league leadership.

Worthing host Maidstone in London Two South tomorrow desperate for a win to keep them in second spot with Gosport and Fareham now in control of the division.

Defeat by Tunbridge Wells last week cost Worthing the leadership but coach Davies admitted the danger signs had been there for weeks.

He said: "We will not stay in the top three unless we up our commitment levels in matches and training.

"The attitude of the team has totally tailed off. Since Christmas training numbers have gone down from 100 to about 30.

"Maybe the players don't realise what they are on the brink of."

Asked whether there had been an improvement at training this week, he replied: "It didn't look like it."

Centre Neil Simpson is given the chance to add some energy to the back line as he is handed his first team debut.

Terry Butler switches to wing and Mark Adams is expected to overcome a chest injury in time to play.

Davies added: "Mark has been our best player since Christmas."

Five wins out five will clinch London One for Haywards Heath but they have a tough run-in with four away trips, including tomorrow's game at Sutton and Epsom.

Heath name the starting line-up which beat Hertford last week but bring in former Sutton outside half Jamie O'Brien on the bench.

Heath skipper Alex Meredith said: "We have never won up there but we are confident."

Foemr Sussex prop Alex Knight-Barnard has been told his front row days are over but he can still help Chichester to a second successive Sussex Trophy final.

Prop Frank Corby said: "Alex's propping days are over because of his back but he alternates between No. 6 and No. 8 for us and is playing well."

Chi go to East Grinstead in the first semi-final on Sunday confident of progress.