Day of reckoning as top four go head-to-head

The day of reckoning looms in the Southern Electric Premier League, Division 3 championship stakes, with the top four going head to head.

Unbeaten leaders Alton will be virtually assured of the title if they bag a 12th successive win, but if they slip up against near neighbours Rowledge, Ventnor could sneak in.

But the Islanders, beaten only once in early June, face a testing time of their own against fourth-placed Trojans at Steephill.

Alton, effectively 21 points clear at the top, parade a full strength side, while Rowledge's prospects of winning probably hinge on Australian left-hander Justin Larrascy, whose 798-aggregate has bundled Trojans' Erasmus Hendrikse off the top of the Premier 3 run scoriung charts.

Alton spin duo Julian Ballinger (29 wickets) and Ben Jansen (23) arguably hold the key.

South African Hendrikse, meanwhile, gets an opportunity to make his mark on the Steephill shirtfront, where Ventnor are launching their own promotion bid.

Nigel le Bas misses the Ventnor boat trip.

Talented Paultons all-rounder Tony Richman bids to improve on his 334 runs and 24 wickets against Waterloovile - one of several matches affecting the relegation zone.

Basement boys Flamingo visit Havant II, Portsmouth II travel to Hook & Newnham Basics, and Hambledon host Hungerford at Ridge Meadow.

A indoor soccer injury has put Martyn Isherwood out for the rest of the season and weakens Leckford's prospects of a key win at South Wilts.