Havant close in on title despite absent key men

Skipper Ben Walker and Rob Gibson are both unavailable.

However, the visitors have two ready-made replacements in Jez Bulled and Richard Jerry, who are returning from injury.

Bulled may not be fit enough to keep wicket but will be a valuable addition with the bat.

Opening bowler Jerry has been suffering from a side strain but after playing a couple of second-team games, will take over the new ball role from the missing Walker.

Stand-in captain Andrew Gorvin is confident his side can keep their winning run going.

‘We are going into this game on the back of a comprehensive win over last season’s champions,’ said Gorvin.

‘There is good confidence in our camp that we can go on and win our final four games.

‘If we do that then the title is ours.

‘We had a good game against St Cross earlier in the season but they have lost a few players since then.

‘Hopefully we will be able to capitalise on that.

‘We don’t want to be making any slip-ups at this stage of the season.’

In a busy weekend, Havant are also in T20 knock-out action at Lymington on Sunday.

Havant were beaten finalists last year and are hoping to go one better this time around.

‘T20 can be a bit hit and miss and it is about which players come off on the day,’ said Gorvin.

‘This is my first year of involvement in the competition with Havant.

‘We have our plans and hopefully they will work out for us.’

Third-placed Burridge will be aiming to avoid a South Wilts backlash after the home side’s defeat at title rivals Havant.

The visitors are in good form, however, and will be looking to build on a good win over Ventnor.

An unbeaten 72 from Joe Collings-Wells proved the difference in last weekend’s encounter.

‘Our aim is to keep things going and see where it gets us,’ said vice-captain Dan Hewitt.

‘It is nice after last season not to be going into the final games looking over our shoulder.

‘We have earned the right to play with a lot more freedom.’