Clifton's former Bristol and England Under-21 front-row forward Chris Rowland faces four to six weeks on the sidelines after his freak calf injury last weekend.

The prop, who was making his full debut since arriving at the club on loan from Stourbridge, caught his studs in a gap between concrete slabs when walking out for the South West One leaders' 37-15 victory over Coney Hill.

He pulled his calf and tried to carry on but collapsed in a heap when player-coach John Barnes was about to kick-off.

Rowland misses tomorrow's rearranged league match with Redingensians.

Barnes said: "It was all bizarre. As I was about to kick-off, he went down in pain, had some treatment, but then had to be replaced.

"Chris was on crutches at the end of the game. It was very disappointing for him, as it was his first start for the club."

Clifton have other injury worries, with former Bristol and England three-quarter David Rees and centre Steve Leonard struggling.

But Barnes hopes to put more daylight between the league leaders and the chasing pack by beating fifth-placed Redingensians.

He added: "This is our game in hand and it is at home. If we win this one we can go six points clear of Bracknell and Bournemouth."

Yatton, meanwhile, are hoping their Somerset derby at Clevedon in South West Two West does not fall foul of the weather (2.30pm).

The village outfit have played only twice since December 6.

Yatton make only one change from the side that was named to take on Paignton, with blindside flanker Gareth Walters replacing the unavailable Russ Hancock.

Clevedon include veteran second row John Pearce in their squad but president Mike Thomas is not confident the match will go ahead.

There will be a pitch inspection ahead of Barton Hill's Western Counties North match with Old Centralians (2.30pm).

Clevedon host Keynsham in the Somerset Cup quarter-finals on Sunday (2pm).