SEEING tomorrow's Southern Counties promotion play-off opponents Tadley back at Stoneover Lane is a tribute to the giant strides that Wootton Bassett have made this season, says club vice-chairman Chris Elias.

There is real history between the two sides, Tadley foiling Bassett's attempt to reach a similar play-off two years ago.

And 12 months ago, the promotion-chasing Berkshire side arrived in Wiltshire to find Bassett scrapping for their Southern Counties South lives.

The Wiltshire outfit repaid the favour with a 15-10 victory and, under the stewardship of ex-England star Neil McCarthy, have not looked back since.

So much so, that Tadley - who subsequently switched to Southern Counties North - return tomorrow afternoon for arguably the biggest match in Bassett's history with a place at South West Two level at stake.

And Elias said: "The last fixture we had last season was against Tadley and we were fighting off relegation so that really shows how the tables have turned.

"I think it's going to be a great game. This club has never been up to South West level before and, having seen Swindon there this year, we know that would be a much tougher challenge.

"But we all recognise that we have got to take that first step.'' Bassett's decision to pin their faith on younger players has paid off with a sustained league challenge, their title tilt only thwarted by a powerful Walcot outfit.

And Elias has also heaped praise on the contribution of former Bath, Bristol and Gloucester hooker McCarthy, who has quietly masterminded their challenge.

"It's just a much more professional set-up under Neil,'' he added.

"The coaching and fitness levels of the players are far better, as well as the overall playing ethic.

"Apart from a couple of the older heads, generally speaking the team is built on youth and that's reflected in the style of rugby we've been aiming for.'' Bassett did get their hands on some silverware last weekend, lifting the Dorset & Wilts 1st XV Vase with a 31-19 win over North Dorset.

However, they know they will have to improve on that up-and-down display if they are to claim their slice of history from tomorrow's winner-takes-all clash.

Their front row changes slightly from last week with Gary Williamson coming back in at loosehead prop after a fantastic second-half display in the cup final.

Two-try hero Adam Rumble keeps his place at hooker and veteran Mark Roshier continues at tighthead.

The second row welcomes back Ian Mason after several weeks out in Iraq on work commitments, joining club captain Dave Floyd.

The back row is the same consistent three of flankers Bruce Elliot and Neil Smith and No 8 try machine Alex Penny.

Scrum-half Craig Iles is passed fit after an injury scare last weekend and Sean Millwaters continues at fly-half.

Duncan Fletcher is on one wing and Jon Clarke the other, while Mike Dixon and Tim Gallimore against team up in the centre after both scored superb tries last weekend.

Dan David continues at full-back, the bench filled with two ex-Bristol Academy props Tom Fidler and Steve Wells and threequarter Jon Paul Travers.

The gates and clubhouse open from noon ahead of the 3pm kick-off, with the minis playing a curtain raiser from 12.30pm and, with a vice-presidents' lunch taking place, Bassett anticipate a crowd of in excess of 300.

Team: G Williamson, A Rumble, M Roshier, D Floyd, I Mason, B Elliot, A Penny, N Smith, C Iles, S Millwaters, T Gallimore, M Dixon, D Fletcher, J Clarke, D David. Subs: T Fidler, S Wells, JP Travers. Meet 1.15pm, Strict uniform: shirt, club tie, no jeans.