Burridge target further denting on promotion hopefuls

Old Tauntonians & Romsey put their seven-point lead at the top of Southern Electric Premier League, Division 2 firmly on the line against in-form Burridge at Botley Road tomorrow (SAT) 1pm.

Their championship hopes took a knock with an unexpected 21-run defeat by Purbrook last week, but with St Cross Symondians losing as well, they remained top.

Skipper Stuart Tulk will demand a much improved performance tomorrow against a Burridge side that has moved on to the edge of the promotion area after five wins in the last six matches.

OT's could have Nick Wood (hamstring) fit, but Burridge continue with Neil Cunningham at the helm in place of Roger Cawte.

St Cross, dogged by batting failures for the past three weeks, need to restore the winning formula against Purbrook at The Heath.

Steve Shaw is fit after back problems and Fergus Haycock also returns, but Purbrook are making a late bid to claw their way out of trouble, having won their last two games.

Second-placed Easton & Martyr Worthy visit relegation-hanuted United Services, while 24-wicket Ross Cambray will be eager to add to his haul of victims when Hursley Park host Gosport Borough at The Quarters.

Adrian Aymes will also be looking to overtake Steve Shaw in the race to become Premier 2's top run scorer. He is currently one run behind the St Cross left-hander.

Neighbours Sparsholt need to repeat their early June success and win at Lymington to wriggle clear of the drop zone.