Haywards Heath have resigned themselves to a promotion play-off but it looks like two regional league titles will be heading to Sussex.

Heath's impressive 38-13 defeat of Staines is unlikely to help them win London One after leaders Southend brushed aside Hertford 41-14.

Worthing, though, are just one point from taking the honours in London Two after winning at Andover while rivals Gosport and Fareham lost.

Haywards Heath captain Alex Meredith expects his side to be at home to Reading in the promotion play-off, though they could still grab the title if they win at Thanet Wanderers in their last game and Southend slip up at Norwich.

The skipper and prop Darren Shadbolt scored two tries apiece in front of a delighted 600 crowd as Heath showed great patience to overcome a dogged Staines side.

Meredith said: "We knew they could cause some damage but we soaked up what they threw at us."

Outside half Jon Graham was especially impressive in defence and was named man-of-the-match.

Henry and Giles Goodburn both scored tries and Owen Ashton added four conversions.

Sponsors Allenwest Electrical supplied a temporary covered 200-seater stand and a marquee as Heath staged a day of festivities to mark the end of the league season and the retirement of former skipper Nick Killick in style.

Fortunes have changed dramatically over the past fortnight for Sussex's top two teams.

While Heath have slipped from being title favourites, Worthing are on the brink of going straight up having been in danger of missing even the play-off spot until very recently.

A draw at home to Beckenham a week on Saturday will suffice though defeat could see them miss out altogether.

Title rivals Gosport blew up spectacularly, having two forwards sent-off in their 42-14 hammering at Portsmouth who could now take top spot.

Outside half Ben Coulson chose a good time to have his best game for Worthing in months.

He controlled play from half back and also slotted three penalties, a conversion and a drop goal.

Worthing's power up front helped Paul Cox to a try and Terry Butler also got over after slick handling by the backs.

Coach Ian Davies said: "We put in the performance that was needed.

"Everything has fallen nicely for us recently but this division is still very tight."

Davies praised Gareth Richards, called up in the centre at short notice when Steve Imrie withdrew with a stomach bug.

He said: "Gareth was a 19-year-old coming into that environment knowing these are the last weeks of a tense season and he did really well."

Worthing face Heath in the semi-final of the Sussex Trophy on Sunday.