by Mike Vimpany

Table-topping Totton & Eling defend the British Gas Southern League’s sole unbeaten record at Hartley Wintney – without key batsman James Taylor and left-arm spinning son Ethan.

It’s arguably the Eels’ toughest test in six outings, with Hartley Wintney always capable of posting a sizeable score on their batsman friendly Cricket Green.

HW tie third in the log, with Farnborough College’s Will Kerr in top form and New Zealander Henry Collier due for a big score.

Totton & Eling: Mbofana, Perrin, Bracey, Geyle, Clouting, Sharma, Darney, Collier, Lockey, Mellett, Mansbridge.

Second-placed Sparsholt expect to have spinner Nick Doubell in action in the St Cross Symondians II derby at the Green Jackets Ground.

Doubell had been in doubt after being carried off the field with a knee injury after hitting a gallant 46 in Sunday’s Village Cup county final defeat at Liphook.

Doubell should take his place alongside Channel Islander Jake Dunford, who returns behind the stumps.

Sparsholt: Haworth, Norris, Dunford, Frith, Kennett, Foster, Banks, Mitchell, Doubell, Whiting, Weir.

Paultons face reviving Langley Manor at Whitemoor Lane without batsman/wicketkeeper Simon Ennew, who suffered ankle ligament damage in a bizarre fielding accident in midweek.

“Twiggy was playing in our Border League side and trod on the ball, damaging his ankle in the process,” explained Paultons skipper Tony Richman, who is also without Scott Hills for the derby.

“It’s a blow because he’s been in great nick, scoring two 60s among 200-odd runs in his past four knocks.”

Rob O’Brien will take over the gloves against the Manor, who have picked up, winning their last two matches after starting the season with three straight defeats.

Paultons: Richman, Feltham, Grierson, Drake, Metcalfe, Bills, Pike, O’Brien, Murrell, Lamb, Denney.

Trojans face a key basement clash against Hambledon at Stoneham lane, while OTs & Romsey should get Hampshire’s Chris Wood back from county duty for the visit to lowly South Wilts II.