Jon Graham has been given the chance to fire the points which can send Haywards Heath to a famous cup win at Blackheath tomorrow (3pm).

The long-serving outside half will take over goalkicking duties in the National Cup first round tie at the Rectory Field in place of Owen Ashton.

The sure-footed Ashton landed 17 out of 18 attempts in Heath's opening two games but is away this weekend, as is fullback Andy Cook. Tom Dowdell steps in at No. 15 and Alex Meredith returns at scrum-half.

It is an exciting tie for Heath against a club with almost 150 years of tradition but who have fallen on hard times recently.

Blackheath lost their opening two National Three South matches and skipper Henry Goodburn hopes his side go one better than gallant defeats at Havant and Newbury in the last two seasons.

Goodburn said: "We know where their strengths are. They have got two dangerous wingers and a good centre but hopefully we can give them a run for their money up front.

"A few of us have played at Blackheath in the colts and and it will be a good experience. I am sure they will have a lot of support."

Blackheath are skippered by former East Grinstead player/coach Toby Booth at No. 8.

The winners are at home to Newbury in the second round.

Tomorrow is the first day of the season for most Sussex clubs as the Intermediate and Junior Cups get underway.

That means a first serious test for new Brighton coach Bert Merritt as Heathfield visit in the Intermediate.

Lock Danie Venter is ruled out by a back problem and Mark Gibb is banned so Simon Peters and veteran Malcom Ede form the second row.

Merritt said: "The boys are ready to get out there and give it a go. The league is our No. 1 priority but we are taking this game very seriously."

The pick of the other ties see Bognor entertain Four South East rivals Hove and Eastbourne play hosts to Tonbridge Juddian.