Room for improvement by cricket clubs

The two clubs occupied the bottom two places in Sussex Division Two last season so anything above that has to be the first priority.

Bexhill, bolstered by the arrival of Australian leg-spinner Bryce Turnbull, appear to be the more confident of the two camps based upon the comments of captain Steve Phillimore. He said: "We've got a far stronger squad than last season. I'm missing about four or five who would normally figure in first team selection for Saturday and we're still going to have a good side. We're going into the first game of the season with confidence."

Jason Wickenden will not be available for the first month of the term but Hamish Russell is back on board. Wicket-keeper Richard Harrison misses the trip to Worthing on Saturday May 1 and will be replaced by Jeremy Wassell.

Sidley's squad has a comparatively familiar feel to it as well but the loss of Kevin Deeprose and, in particular, wicketkeeper Paul Matthews will be a hammer blow. Pakistani sensation Imran Javed has also gone but has been replaced by a similarly high-calibre performer in Fasal Naved. British qualified Pakistani Asghar Ramzan, a former first class player in his homeland, would considerably strengthen the spinning department, if and when he becomes available.

Skipper Scott Woodroffe commented: "We're pretty much the same but I think we will be a stronger batting side definitely. If we can improve on last year I think it's a good result. It's very difficult for sides like ourselves and Bexhill to compete with other teams who are able to attract players because they've not got teams in such a short vicinity as we have."

The early pointers are good following a winning draw up at London Hamptonwick Royal on Sunday. Sidley would like to thank sponsors Excel Sports Management but require further backing, contact the club on (01424) 217078. They open up at home to Cuckfield tomorrow, 1.15 start, and will play host to five Pakistani test players who will take on a Sussex Select XI on August 15.

Saturday fixtures: Division 2 - Worthing v Bexhill, Sidley v Cuckfield; 2nd XI Division 2 - Bexhill II v Worthing II, Chichester Priory Park II v Sidley II.