THE fierce scrap for second place in Dorset & Wilts 1 heats up once again this weekend as Supermarine host Calne in what could become a season-defining fixture for both sides.

Marine go into the game one point behind their guests in fourth spot in the league table, and if results go their way the South Marston outfit could find themselves sitting pretty in second by the end of play tomorrow.

But Calne will be no pushover, having edged the previous meeting between the two teams back in September, and with both sides in something of a mini-dip at the moment the match presents the perfect opportunity for one of the pair to relaunch their season.

Marine were undisciplined in their 26-15 defeat to Pewsey Vale last time out, whilst Calne have won just one of their last four games.

And Marine’s player-coach, Sean Millwaters, has recognised the clash as the most important of the campaign so far.

“It is a must-win game for both of us,” he said. “We said last week that if we lost against Pewsey and Calne then we’d be out of it.

“We lost against Pewsey so now we have to win this one to make sure we don’t fall away.

“Calne are going through something of a blip at the moment. They got hammered by Pewsey and drew at Trowbridge, so they’re like us in that respect.

“We know that if we play our rugby we can stop them from playing theirs and that will put us in with a good chance.”

Millwaters highlighted the highly charged nature of the fixture, which in the past as been known to bubble over, but suggested that intensity can only add to a performance.

And the half-back is hopeful home advantage can seriously benefit his team, as they look to take advantage of the width of the playing area at South Marston.

“Calne are used to playing on a fairly narrow pitch, and that should mean we can make the most of having a fairly large pitch ourselves,” he said. “Calne went to Trowbridge, which is a decent sized pitch, and got a draw. They went to Pewsey, which is a decent sized pitch, and conceded 40-plus points.

“Hopefully we can do the same on Saturday.

“The fixture is always a fiery one, but that adds to the game. It’ll be down to who wants it the most on the day.

“I know that’s an old cliche but it’s really what it will all come down to.

“We have to go out there with the mentality that we can beat them, and beat them well. And I’m sure we can.”

Gary Trevet and Steve Hartman are not available for Marine, who may also be without Chris Lomas due to commitments with the RAF.

Seventeen-year-old Neil Japtha is set to make his debut for the club, with Millwaters branding the youngster as an exciting prospect.

“He’s come through the development set-up and he’s been doing very well,” said the fly-half.

“He came on at Pewsey and impressed so he’s got his chance.

“It shows how we’re bringing players through now, as we also have had Steve Hartman and Pete Mabbott come into the team. It’s great for the club’s future.”