Norwich still have availability issues as they prepare for a tricky home fixture against Sudbury tomorrow.

They will be missing some key players which will make the match against a side who currently sit second in the London 2NE table and like to play an open expansive game even tougher.

Director of rugby David Everitt said: 'After the great display against Epping Upper Clapton we face a much sterner test this week.

'Having lost to Sudbury earlier in the season away, the players feel they did not do themselves justice and are looking forward to Saturday for the opportunity to put that right.'

Norwich have further selection problems with the injury to Matt Selby and the unavailability of Robbie Bridgstock and Mike Lawton, who scored 24 points at Epping, added to the already injured players from last week. The good news is Chris Parrott, Si Darby and Paul Micklethwaite return.

Coach Jonny O'Brien, whose side overcame selection issues to win 54-10 at Epping, added: 'It was a fine performance from 1-18 on Saturday. I saw that game as a potential banana skin, so I was delighted with a bonus point win. The players who stepped up from the Lions team did brilliantly. 'The Sudbury match should be a cracker. We are hitting some excellent form at the moment and will look for our pack to dominate and give space to our elusive runners in the backs.'

Southwold's title credentials in London Three Eastern Counties will be put to the test tomorrow when they travel to third-placed Ely.

They go into the tough fixture level at the top of the table with Stowmarket, and behind them only on points difference, but will need to play well to maintain that position, with their Suffolk rivals having a home fixture against third-from-bottom Crusaders.

Should Ely emerge empty-handed then Holt would move to within a point of them with a maximum haul at home to Wisbech.

Other games see West Norfolk host Wymondham and Thetford entertain bottom of the league Lowestoft & Yarmouth.

Eastern Counties IN champions Fakenham begin their bid for the regional title with a home game against Hadleigh. North Walsham Raiders host Shelford thirds.