Purbrook out to build on promising start

Purbrook captain Martin Lee Picture: Mick Young

Skipper Martin Lee, though, is refusing to get carried away with his side’s uncharacteristic opening-day win at Sarisbury II.

‘It was a good start which is quite pleasing because normally we struggle at the start,’ he said.

‘There’s never any harm in winning and it does give us confidence.

‘For now, though, I might do the old Claudio Ranieri tactic and say our aim is to avoid relegation and just see what happens!

‘This division is a funny one, you just can’t call it – we will take it game by game and see where that leads us.

‘I noticed OTs & Romsey lost last weekend but it is still early in the season and with them being a second team you can never tell how the availability of players affects them.

‘You can only be the better team on the day and hopefully home advantage helps us.’

James Holder returns to university for a few weeks with Josh Spiers his replacement.

Portsmouth & Southsea captain Keiron Dunstan is confident his side can cope with the challenge of Burridge II as they target promotion.

Dunstan made a stunning return from injury in last weekend’s win over Ventnor II, claiming five wickets.

And he is keen for his side to keep up the good form, as Rob Evans is recalled to the starting line-up.

‘The team is buzzing at the moment and everyone is eager to play,’ said Dunstan.

‘We have a really strong will to win and are quietly confident we will get promoted this year.

‘With the quality and depth we have got we shouldn’t be in this division, I feel.

‘We have one of the best bowling attacks in the league and two of the best batsmen in Matt Benfield and Jack Davies.’

Fareham & Crofton travel to Ventnor II eager to improve upon a disappointing home loss to New Milton II.

Ben Kissane (35) was the only man to show any sort of form with the bat with Benedict White and Matt Gould at least offering some resistance with the ball.

Bishop’s Waltham will also look to raise their game following an opening-day loss against Alton II.

Straight-talking skipper Dan Wheeler admitted his team were poorly prepared but will hope the cobwebs have been blown away when they visit St Cross Symondians.