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SPCL 2 - Lunchtime crunch-time for Easton at the Academy
Mike Vimpany (as published in Daily Echo) - 30 May 2002
It's lunchtime crunch time for Easton & Martyr Worthy as the surprise Southern Electric Premier League, Division 2 leaders face their toughest examination yet against the Hampshire Academy on the Rose Bowl Nursery ground, 1pm.
Easton have established a 13-point advantage at the top after four straight wins, the most notable of which have come against Hungerford and United Services, two of the strongly fancied sides.
"This is the big one as far as we are concerned," said prominent Easton all-rounder Andy Birch.
"Tony Middleton's side have lost their last two games and will have something to prove against us, particularly considering our league position."
Easton, a closely-knit and competitive side, will parade one newcomer - Army all-rounder Keith Brewster, a West Indian serviceman based at nearby Worthy Down, who has previously played in the Birmingham League.
The Academy, beaten by Rowledge and Lymington in the past two weeks, will again be led by Iain Brunnschweiler, who has fellow pro's Lawrie Prittipaul, Irfan Shah and James Schofield at his side. Coach Tony Middleton again sits out the game.
Intriguingly, second-placed United Services and Hungerford go head to head at Portsmouth Grammar School's much improved Hilsea headquarters. It's a vital match with precious little between the two sides, who have each suffered one defeat.
Jamie Donaldson returns to bolster Trojans at Old Tauntonians & Romsey who, in turn, are weakened by the absence of key left-hander Ian Tulk.
It's a key afternoon for the newly promoted bottom pair, Winchester KS and Rowledge, who meet at River Park. WKS remain rooted to the basement despite last week's morale-boosting win at Trojans, but don't anticipate having Sussex pace bowler Billy Taylor available.
Rowledge, the only side to beat Winchester en route to last season's Division 3 championship win, are significantly without David Lloyd, but Chris Yates (senior) makes his first appearance of the season after a hip operation.
Sparsholt, who have climbed to fourth spot after consecutive wins, entertain full-strength Lymington, who downed the Academy team last week.
Division 3 leaders Hambledon will expect to celebrate a fourth victory in their top v bottom visit to Hartley Wintney, but second-placed Purbrook face a trickier time against Portsmouth II - provided The Heath is playable.
Leading Premier 3 run scorer Mark Parker misses St Cross Symondians' visit to Bashley (Rydal), as does injured left-arm seamer Paul Stringer.
Undefeated Alton will expect to beat Waterlooville, while improving Ventnor should build upon last weekend's success and beat visiting Hook & Newnham Basics at Steephill.
Saints footballer Jason Dodd misses Flamingo's trip to Paultons. Hampshire Under-16 opener Tom Cledwyn takes his place.
© SPCL / Daily Echo / Mike Vimpany
| Tournaments | Southern Electric Premier League |
| Season | English Domestic Season |