Bexhill enjoy life at the top

Bexhill became outright leaders for the first time since their relegation from the Premier Division in 2000 following a six-wicket defeat of Pulborough on Saturday.

"That's the aim (staying top)," Phillimore said, "and it's definitely possible. It's great to be where we are, but it's still early days. We've made a great start, but the next two weeks will be key games. From speaking to other teams, St James' are a good side and Cuckfield are obviously a good side."

Bexhill's five-match unbeaten start is a far cry from last year when they finished bottom-of-the-table with just one win to their name.

"On the playing side," commented Phillimore, on the differences from 2004, "we've gained three or four players. All three bowlers we used on Saturday (Steve Jenner, Ian Ellis and Chris Topp) didn't play last year and, on the bowling front last year, we did struggle. There's an air of confidence about the way we're approaching games now and the team spirit is excellent."

Simon Bulteel will replace Jenner in the side that entertains St James' on Saturday June 3 and last week's five wicket hero Ellis is expected to shake off a sore shoulder.

Sidley return to league action after enjoying their free week last weekend and skipper Eddie Daniels says they are eager to get back down to business.

"We're really keen to get back going again," he said, ahead of their trip to third-placed Worthing. "The break was quite early in the season as far as I was concerned and it will be a tough game to come back to.

"I don't think the week off will have affected us unduly. We've had nets twice this week and there were a couple of players who got a bit of form going on Sunday (during the seven-wicket Bertie Joel Cup defeat at Middlesex Premier League outfit Eastcote)."