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SPCL2&3 - Lymington aim to join promotion race
Mike Vimpany - 11 July 2002
Lymington are 17 points off the pace and interestingly placed on the fringe of the Southern Electric Premier League, Division 2 promotion race after last week's thrilling two-wicket win over Hungerford.
So, tomorrow's visit to Old Tauntonians & Romsey has the mark of a "must win" game for Danny Peacock's side.
"We've got ourselves back into contention as a result of beating Hungerford, but we've simply got to win at Romsey to stay in the frame," skipper Danny Peacock points out.
"Our next two games are against United Services and the Hampshire Academy, so that just underlines the importance of winning tomorrow."
Lymington set a new Southern League record when they scored 286-8 to beat Hungerford last week.
"It was a magnificent performance and has given everyone at the club a real lift," said Peacock, modestly omitting his key century in the match !
But if Lymington are to win at the Romsey Sports Centre, they will have to silence Charles Forward, Old Tauntonians' major run-getter.
Forward has made scores of 200, 93 and 83 in the past three weeks - and is just 15 away from the 500-run milestone for the season.
Table topping Hampshire Academy make changes for the home match with Winchester KS on the Rose Bowl Nursery ground, which has been badly hit by the past week's rain.
Under-19 batsman Kevin Latouf makes his SPL debut, with Irfan Shah expected to return to a side which includes Jimmy Adams and eight promising teenagers.
The Academy are marginally ahead of United Services, who are chasing a double against struggling Rowledge at Burnaby Road.
"They gave us a real run for our money up there," recalls skipper Gary Hounsome. "We only won by 18 runs and expect another tough game tomorrow."
Easton & Martyr Worthy, just off the pace in third spot, face a tricky test at Hungerford, while Trojans start a key five match survival run against Sparsholt at Stoneham Lane.
"I've told the lads we've got to win four of our next five games beginning tomorrow," says skipper Simon Williams.
"We've got the worst possible run in against US, Lymington and the Academy, so it's what we do in the next five weeks that will determine whether we stay up."
Premier Division 3 leaders Alton, who have beaten St Cross Symondians and Purbrook in the past three weeks, face an awkward visit to New Milton, who lie in a threatening sixth place.
"It's important we win to keep our season alive," says New Milton skipper Steve Watts.
"Our bowlers are in good form - and Alton will certainly be a test." Shock side Flamingo travel to play a Leckford side weakened by the absence of influential Scottish all-rounder Mike Howard.
St Cross Symondians are at Waterlooville, while Hursley Park will expect to boost their push for a top three slot at Hartley Wintney, who are second from bottom.
Beaten three times already, Purbrook - who officially opened their new pavilion and clubhouse today - can ill afford to slip up against Hambledon, as can basement boys Redlynch & Hale at home to Havant II.
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| Tournaments | Southern Electric Premier League |
| Season | English Domestic Season |