Rugby
Cherry and Whites must win
Gloucester will name their strongest possible available side later today ahead of Saturday December 4th's Heineken Cup clash with Cardiff at Kingsholm. There's no room for error by the Cherry and Whites with French side Stade Francais storming to the top of the Pool Six. Gloucester know they really must win with a bonus point to stay in touch and Nigel Melville knows it won't be an easy game:

"Both sides know that if they lose on Saturday then their Heineken Cup hopes are over. Cardiff will want the win as much as us. They've got some experienced campaigners in the side and it's going to be a big game."

For full commentary on the game click here, or listen to BBC Radio Gloucestershire 1413 AM. Please note - this game won't be available on the Live Internet Radio stream.

Football
Louis leaves Forest Green
On to Football and Forest Green have confirmed that striker Jefferson Louis has joined Conference rivals Woking. The ex-Oxford man arrived at the Lawn in September, but has left following a spell on the bench where it emerged he couldn't be guaranteed a place in the starting line. Rovers are at home to Accrington Stanley tomorrow as they continue their attempt to get out of the bottom three.

Football
Robins likely to post a loss
Cheltenham Town don't have a game this weekend, but the Robins' Chairman Paul Baker's confident the Bowling Green End of the Whaddon Road stadium can be developed before the start of next season. Baker revealed that at this stage the club's likely to report a loss for the second successive season unless gates improve. But he insists the remodelling of the one area of the ground largely untouched since their Southern League days is still very much on.

Boxing
Alliss takes on Odin
Stroud Light Heavyweight Boxer Leigh Alliss must step up a level this evening as he takes on a fighter who normally competes in the heavier Cruiserweight division. The 29 year old from the Five Valleys has won his last seven bouts, while Valery Odin's lost his last six, but against quality opponents. Having seen his opponent in action, Alliss knows what to expect in the ring tonight (Friday 3rd December).

Football
Robins' Contracts
Six months before their contracts expire Cheltenham Town are already looking to tie up their most influential players on new deals at Whaddon Road. Fifteen players are out of contract next summer, and Chairman Paul Baker admits that in certain cases the wheels have already started turning.

Rugby
Sinbad and Paul to head Cardiff challenge
Wing James Simpson-Daniel and utility back Henry Paul will be among a string of returnees for the Cherry and Whites' Saturday night date with The Blues at Kingsholm. Paul is expected to play at fly-half, with Simon Amor unavailable and Duncan McRae still injured. Simpson-Daniel has recovered from a tweaked hamstring suffered against Ulster. Andy Hazell and Andy Gomarsall will further strengthen the starting fifteen.

Rugby
Powergen Intermediate Cup and Junior Vase draws
The fifth round draws for the Powergen Intermediate Cup and Junior Vase have been made. Here's how our local sides have been paired:
Intermediate Cup Round 5
Cinderford v Market Bosworth
Staines v Spartans
(Ties to be played 15th January 2005)
Powergen Junior Vase Round 5
Sidmouth v Bream
(Ties to be played 18th December 2004)

Football
Rovers drawn at home in FA Trophy
Forest Green Rovers have been drawn at home to Aylesbury United of the Southern League Premier Division in the third round of the FA Trophy. The match will be played on Saturday January the 15th. Click here for details of the full draw.

FEATURES

More sports books reviewed
Peter Matthews' Christmas book review
Peter Matthews gets his teeth into the latest round of sporting books to hit the bookstore shelves. Read the full story here.