Weekend cricket preview

John Haffenden's side will have to win away to second-placed Horsham tomorrow (Saturday) and at home to leaders Preston Nomads next weekend if it is to remain in the Premier Division.

First team manager Hamish Russell said: "Realistically the dream's probably over, but mathematically it's not. We're definitely outsiders to win those games, but that's not to say we can't."

Last weekend's four-wicket defeat away to fellow strugglers Three Bridges has left bottom-of-the-table Bexhill 38 points adrift of third-bottom Bridges with the bottom two after September 4 heading into Division Two next year.

With a maximum of 15 points available for a loss or draw and up to 30 for a win, Bexhill will have to double their current tally of two victories over the next eight days if they're to stand any chance of staying up.

Even if they were to pick up the full 60 points, Bexhill would have to hope that Bridges garner less than 23 from their last two fixtures against Hastings Priory or Eastbourne net fewer than five in their last match.

A maximum points victory for Hastings at home to Bridges tomorrow will guarantee their place in the Premier Division for next summer.

In fact, any sort of a win will in all probability suffice - and possibly even a dominant draw - because Priory just need to pick up six more points than their third-bottom opponents to make certain of avoiding the bottom two.

Another scenario which would put Priory safe is if they match Cuckfield's points haul tomorrow. Cuckfield currently occupy the final relegation place and are 32 points adrift of fourth-bottom Priory.

Eastbourne and East Grinstead are the other two sides in the mix - Grinstead are two points above Priory and Eastbourne are seven below. They are on their free week tomorrow before playing each other next weekend.

Sidley, meanwhile, are seeking a strong finish to the summer as they seek to repeat their 2009 finish of third in Division Three (East).

Neil Priddy's in-form side is currently in fifth place, but victory away to Hellingly - who share second spot with Seaford - would significantly erode the 25-point gap between the two clubs.

"Second would be a bonus, but I would like to finish third," said Priddy.