Burridge target Southern League revenge against Havant

Burridge are on a revenge mission as they host Havant at Botley Road on Saturday (12.30pm).
Burridge batsman Joe Collings-Wells, right. Picture: Vernon NashBurridge batsman Joe Collings-Wells, right. Picture: Vernon Nash
Burridge batsman Joe Collings-Wells, right. Picture: Vernon Nash

Will Steward is looking for his side to turn the tables on the visitors in the Southern League premier division derby.

In the first meeting, a timed game, Burridge suffered a 122-run defeat.

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Now, in a 50-over contest, Steward is backing his team to come out on top.

'˜I missed the first game but by all accounts it wasn't by any means our best day at the office,' said Steward, who is standing in for skipper Rick Ankers.

'˜In the last few weeks, though, we have been putting in some good performances.

'˜If we can do that again then I see no reason why we shouldn't beat them.

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'˜By their own standards Havant are not having a great season.

'˜Any club would have struggled losing the players they did before the start of the summer.

'˜But they are still a very good side capable of playing decent cricket.

'˜It won't be an easy game and we will be taking them very seriously.'

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Burridge, who sit second in the table, are intent on pushing leaders St Cross Symondians to the wire.

However, they know the powerful Winchester outfit are unlikely to slip up in their final two games.

Regardless, Burridge have had a successful summer '“ at all levels.

'˜We recruited well '“ bringing in the likes of Richard Lock and Hilio De Abreu,' added Steward.

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'˜Ollie Southon has also added a huge amount with his wickets.'

At the top of the order, opening batsman Joe Collings-Wells has proved to be Burridge's Mr Reliable.

He was challenged to score 700 runs at the beginning of the season and with two games remaining he currently has 578.

Steward said: '˜Having someone like Joe opening the batting breeds confidence.

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'˜More often than not he gets us off to a good start and sets the tone.

'˜He is always looking to score boundaries and is an attacking presence.

'˜While his style maybe not the prettiest on the eye, he is very effective.

'˜A lot of teams pay the price for underestimating him.

'˜He is close to scoring 700 runs and not many Burridge batsmen can claim that over the years.'

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