Worthing have major injury worries ahead of one of Sussex rugby's top games of the season.

Coach Ian Davies takes his side to Waterhall tomorrow (2.15pm) knowing defeat by Brighton is likely to knock them off the top of London Three South East.

Worthing lost at home to Sidcup last week and picked up another batch of injuries, forcing Davies to delay selection for the derby.

Threequarters Paul Todd, Charlie McCarrick and Martin Eze all have hamstring problems.

Flanker Dave Davies will be out until after Christmas with knee and ankle injuries, front row man Sean Bennett could miss the rest of the season after breaking his arm and experienced backs Tery Butler (ankle) and Ben Coulson, who is recovering from a broken leg, are long term absentees.

Davies admitted he was looking forward to tomorrow's game with a sense of trepidation and added: "Two weeks ago I would have been more confident but Brighton are on a four-game winning streak and we have gone off the boil.

"The injuries have not helped and some senior players are not performing as they should be."

Those four wins have propelled Brighton onto the fringes of the promotion race.

Front line prop Martin McDonagh misses the game but coach Bert Mertritt has been impressed by the form of second teamers he has drafted into the side.

Merritt said: "It is now getting difficult to determine who are first team and who are second team players.

"The boys are up for this one. Worthing have been warned."

East Grinstead will take a keen interest in the Waterhall result, knowing they could take over at the top, providing they overcome a Lewes side buoyed by last week's win at Crawley.

Gs recall Matt Templeman and Colin Blake to the pack while experienced Arnaud Senebaide wears the No. 9 shirt after Dan Moore and Mark Lewis were ruled out by serious injuries. Moore will miss the season with a broken arm while Lewis faces at least three months out after suffering a clean break to the fibula last week.

Haywards Heath have another attractive home clash in London One as they tackle title-chasing London Nigerians. Tom Hills comes into the back row for injured Dave Wattam.

Heath lost unluckily at leaders Havant last week and outside half Jon Graham knows they will have to play just as well tomorrow.

He said: "We don't really know what to expect but I suspect they could be even stronger than Havant."