HAVANT and BAT Sports, the only clubs to have ever lifted the ECB SEPL crown, go head-to-head in a crunch all-day meeting at Havant Park tomorrow, 11.30am.

With only eight points separating the top six clubs, a victory will be crucial if either of the local juggernauts is to break away from the chasing pack.

"This is the one we all look forward to," Havant captain Andy Perry said.

"There's plenty of talent in both sides and, as always, the outcome will be a significant pointer as to the outcome of the league."

Havant are boosted by the return of strike bowler Richard Pineo and left-arm spinner Phil Loat, but Dominic Carson continues to sit it out with a broken finger.

BAT plan to field the side which beat Liphook & Ripsley last week but much will depend on whether New Zealander Neal Parlane is fit after treatment on his troublesome back.

The champions had hoped to include Damian Shirazi in their side but the Premier League has ruled that the record-breaking MCC Young Cricketers' left-hander must wait seven days for his transfer from Surrey Championship side Esher to be rubber-stamped.

Dorset skipper Shaun Walbridge has earmarked Bournemouth's visit to Liphook & Ripsley as his playing return after early season eye surgery.

The influential left-arm spinner had yet to play a competitive match this season after having surgery on a detached retina days before Dorset's C & G Trophy defeat by Yorkshire in early May.

Skipper Richard Scott is naturally delighted to have Walbridge back on board.

"It will be great to have him with us again as we've lacked the variety that Shaun's left-arm spin obviously provides.

"I can't think of much worse that having your sight affected, but Shaun has come through and that's terrific news for not only Bournemouth, but Dorset cricket as well," Scott said.

Bournemouth certainly need a win tomorrow to get them back into contention at the top.

"With so many sides beating each other, there's only a handful of points separating the top six, so we've still got plenty to play for," Scott added.

"But we do need to get down to the business of scoring some runs.

"Our batting failed again last week and it cost us a game against the Academy we looked like winning for two-thirds of the match."

High-rising Andover plan to field an unchanged team against the Hampshire Academy on the Rose Bowl Nursery ground.

"The guys are going well and are only just off the top, so a win over the Academy could put us top if the Havant v BAT game ends in a draw," said Andover skipper Toby Radford.

"There's a real buzz in the dressing room at the moment, but the lads know

"The Academy are a very capable outfit, having beaten Bournemouth and BAT in the past few weeks," he added.

The Young Hawks will also be unchanged, with promising Havant off-spinner Stuart Ransley retaining his place after an encouraging debut in last week's win at Bournemouth.

South Wilts have Hampshire's James Tomlinson injured and Russell Rowe still unwell as they prepare to land a fifth win in a row against Portsmouth at Lower Bemerton.

Portsmouth, who seldom do well in Salisbury, should have young all-rounder James Manning back from MCC duty.

Bashley (Rydal) captain Matt King is demanding an all-round improvement against bottom of the table Old Tauntonians & Romsey at the BCG.

"We've got to bat better, bowl in the right areas more and step up the level of our fielding if nothing else," he emphasised.

Bashley have drifted into third from bottom place after winning only one of their five matches that solitary success coming in their first game against Liphook.

"It's very early days yet, but with end of season play-offs being introduced this summer, it's essential we get back into the frame as quick as possible. We've got the ability but we've got to start producing the goods where it matters ... out in the middle," King said.