Zimbabwe paceman Brent will return to Burridge

Zimbabwe all-rounder Gary Brent is set to stay and boost struggling Burridge when his current One-Day International commitments are completed next month.

Speaking during Hampshire's match with the tourists at the Rose Bowl yesterday, Brent confirmed that he will join the Southern Electric Premier League, Division 2 side after the tri-angular final at Lord's on July 12.

Brent, who spent three successful seasons with Burridge in the nineties, had originally planned to spend the whole summer back at his old haunts.

"But then I was picked for the ODI's against England and South Africa, so all my plans changed," he said.

"It will be great to play with the Burridge lads again and hopefully I can help them out of their current predicament."

Relegated from Premier 1 at the end of last season, Burridge currently lie fourth from bottom of Division 2, having lost three of their initial five matches.

They visit local rivals Gosport tomorrow - minus in-form left-hander Neil Cunningham and Phil Ransley, both ex-Borough players. Suspended Lee Wateridge sits out the second and last match of his club-imposed ban.

Unbeaten table toppers Old Tauntonians & Romsey face a stiff test at second-placed St Cross Symondians, who delay selection pending the possible availability of young Hampshire all-rounders Jimmy Adams and Jon Francis.

Lymington all-rounder Glyn Treagus is ruled out against United Services by a nasty bout of tonsilitis, so in-form 2nd XI batsman Jason Carr comes in.

Easton & Martyr Worthy entertain high-scoring Hursley Park at Cockets Mead, where they also host Sunday's NVC county final tie against Paultons, 2pm.

Sparsholt, who have won their last two matches to slip into a comfortable mid-table slot, ought to make it three victories in a row against winless Purbrook at the Norman Edwards Ground.