THE complicated picture in the Dorset & Wilts 1st XV Vase should become much clearer after this weekend.

Trowbridge, Blandford, Pewsey Vale and Weymouth are the only four teams to confirm their quarter-final places to date, but Swindon and Wootton Bassett will be expecting to join them tomorrow.

Last season's beaten finalists Swindon take a break from their so-far successful Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division campaign to travel to Westbury in the second round.

The hosts have already seen off Swindon's second string 34-0 in Dorset & Wilts One North action this season, but the Greenbridge Road side will start favourites and make mainly positional changes to their line-up.

Nick Brooks and Danny Webb are swapped around in the front row and Tom Loukes moves to lock to make room for Ian Reynolds at No 8.

The only other change is the addition of Nathan Waite on the bench.

Bassett meanwhile, will host their Swindon neighbours Supermarine, in a game that is almost sure to contain some added spice.

The home side have picked up a number of players from their South Marston rivals this season, including highly-rated flanker Tim Gallimore, who features in tomorrow's clash.

In the county 2nd XV Cup, Swindon have home advantage, but a tough encounter as Swanage & Wareham arrive to compete for a place in the final.

n RFU bosses have unveiled a new-look County Championship for this season.

The competition will include promotion and relegation and culminate in three finals at Twickenham on Sunday, May 29.

The top eight counties will play for the County Championship, the next eight for the County Shield and the remaining 12, including Dorset & Wiltshire, for the County Plate, with the top two from each competition progressing to their respective final.

Counties have been seeded based on their performances in 2003 and 2004 and the divisions split geographically to reduce travelling for teams and supporters.

Dorset & Wiltshire are seeded fourth in Pool One of the Plate, with Surrey, Somerset and Hampshire their opposition.

The Twin Counties' campaign will start on April 30 away against Hampshire.

Top seeds Surrey visit the following weekend before a trip to Somerset on May 14.

The semi-finals follow on May 21 before the Twickenham showpiece the week after that.

RFU President Malcolm Phillips said: "This structure will inject new life into this historic competition.

"With each division having its own final at Twickenham and promotion and relegation, it will give each county and their players something to play for.''