The struggling Blue and Golds suffered another defeat last weekend in the Sussex Trophy as they crashed 28-15 at London South East four outfit Horsham.

This week they resume league duties when they welcome mid-table Deal and Betteshanger (2.30pm).

Usually Walshaw would be confident of victory but with injuries and a lack of confidence running through the side he said, "When you get on a bad run as we have my answer is we have to be faster, fitter and stronger.

"We have to work hard to get out of this rut and after a good training session on Tuesday I'm more optimistic.

"We had good numbers training, they worked hard and it was a great chance for us to work on a few areas.

"Emphasis was on ball control and working on our defence. We have given away a number of silly tries in recent weeks and we have to cut that out. If we can do that we will be okay."

Tomorrow's visitors have a similar record to Eastbourne this season. Both sides have lost five games and Walshaw expects a close encounter.

He added, "It will be a tough contest and we will be looking for a good performance. If we can get the performance right in certain areas then the result will take care of itself.

"We have to pick up as many points as we can before Christmas and then look to re-group in the New Year."

Matt Crane, who injured a shoulder at Horsham, is hoping to recover in time for Saturday. James Coultard returns from a hip injury and Sam Gower faces a fitness test on an arm injury.

Chris Reed is out with a thumb injury but Matt Latham hopes to play despite a back problem."