SWINDON and Wootton Bassett's second strings go head-to-head in the Dorset & Wilts 2nd XV Cup this weekend while their respective first teams await news of who they will face in their knockout competition.

Wootton Bassett make several changes to a second team which defeated Cirencester 31-20 last weekend.

Frenchman Flo Vialan joins Woody Briggs, who transferred from troubled Swindon College Old Boys last week, in the second row.

Gary Darragh also comes into the pack, but there are no changes behind the scrum.

Swindon, runners-up in last year's competition, have home advantage for the quarter-final clash, with a last-four trip to either Trowbridge or Chippenham the prize to the victors.

They meet in the other match in the bottom half, while at the top end, Devizes must host Swanage & Wareham in their last-eight clash.

The fourth quarter-final is between Dorchester and Wimborne.

The picture in the 1st XV Vase should also become clearer this weekend, as the protracted first round which started in mid-October is finally completed.

Minety host Melksham's Cooper-Avon Tyres for the right to face Swindon in round two, while Wootton Bassett await the winners of the Sherborne-Puddletown tie.

The Twin Counties flagship competition, the 1st XV Cup, also swings into action this weekend.

Southern Counties South Devizes have an unenviable-looking task, as they head south to take on mighty Swanage & Wareham, who boast a 100 per cent record in South West Two East.

Mark Stowell comes in for Charlie Rudler in the Saddlebacks' front row.

But in-form Chippenham will fancy their chances of a semi-final meeting with Swanage, by putting lower-league Bournemouth to the sword at Allington Field.

Wootton Bassett are awaiting a pool fixture and make a number of changes to the side which defeated Bournemouth last Saturday.

Robin Smith moves into the front row from back row, while last week's centre Lee Davies joins the back row, with young Mike Dixon taking his place in midfield.

Tetbury stage their Christmas celebrations in the town on Tuesday.

Invitations are only open to current players, but new players are always welcome at the Gloucestershire Division Three South outfit. Anyone interested in joining should contact chairman David Paulson on 07768 258640 for further details.