Table-proppers in 50-pointer

Falkland out to get off the mark in Home Counties Premier League

FALKLAND and Bishops' Stortford are already embroiled in what home skipper George Trewby calls a "50 pointer" as the bottom two in the Home Counties Premier League clash at Enborne Lodge on Saturday.

Both are still looking for as first league win of the season, although Trewby was buoyed by his side's showing in going down by five wickets away to reigning champions Henley last week.

"There were a lot of positives," he said. "We batted first and started well, and although we had our usual collapse, we also bowled and fielded well and it took them a long time to get their runs on a really good batting wicket."

Trewby misses Saturday's game due to a fmaily wedding, and James Morris will take over on his first appearance of the season. Bruce Martin, Jim Ettridge and Ollie Green also return.

Thatcham are also out to end their recent losing streak when they entertain second in the table High Wycombe II at Brownsfield in the Thames Valley League's top division.

Skipper Danny Williams and his team were shaking their heads at some of the umpiring decisions that led them to defeat at Basingstoke last week, but added: "We were also guilty of some poor shot selection, so we can't blame it all on the decisions."

Thatcham give a chance to Bradfield youngster and all-rounder Andy Whisken on Saturday, and there is also a recall for Dan Stone.

Other matches include: Newbury v Maidenhead and Bray II - Purley v Bracknell - Theale and Tilehurst v Odiham and Greywell - Falkland III v Maidenhead and Bray III - Thatcham IV v Eversley IV - Newbury III v Cove V - East Woodhay v Steep - Kingsclere v Oakley - Hungerford II v South Wilts IV - West Ilsley v Clifton Hampden - Great Bedwyn v Wootton Bassett.