South Wilts' prospects of bowling BAT Sports off the top of the ECB Southern Electric Premier League at Lower Bemerton tomorrow (11.30am) have received a double setback.

Left-armer James Tomlinson, who played for the British Universities against India A in midweek, has been refused permission by his Hampshire employers to play.

And skipper Rob Wade is out with a triple fracture of his collar bone - an injury sustained when he fell over in the father's sack race at his son's school sports day!

"I'll probably win the award for the daftest call-off of the season," groaned Wade, who hit 80 at Bashley last week.

The third-placed Salisbury club expect to call up Jon Nash and Hampshire Under-16 all-rounder Lysander Wolf against BAT, who lead Havant, the defending champions, by three points.

The rock-hard Bemerton strip is expected to produce a welter of runs, with both South Wilts and BAT packed with powerful top order batting.

Damian Shirazi continued his impressive form for the MCC YC's, hitting 79 and taking 2-41 against a strong Kent 2nd XI in midweek.

Top dogs BAT make one enforced change, with KES captain Graham Noble replacing wedding-bound Chris Thomason.

Title holders Havant face neighbours Portsmouth minus skipper Paul Gover, who is attending an open air Bon Jovi concert in Hyde Park.

"I'm a great fan and queued for hours in the pouring rain for this concert, so I'm afraid cricket has to be put on the back seat tomorrow," Gover said.

Left-arm spinner Phil Loat, who missed the five-wicket win at Bournemouth last week, replaces Gover, with Andy Perry taking over as captain.

Eager to avenge their midweek SEC Cup defeat, Portsmouth are without former Hampshire player Matt Keech, but fringe county all-rounder Lawrie Prittipaul is named in the squad.

"We boosted our confidence with a win against Calmore last week, but to beat Havant would be quite something," said skipper Lee Savident.

Tom Webley returns from Cambridge UCCE to boost Bournemouth's prospects in the long-haul visit to lowly Liphook & Ripsley.

The left-arm all-rounder, who hit a First Class century against Northants earlier this season, is expected to open the batting alongside teenager Nick Park, with skipper Matt Swarbrick dropping down to four.

"Tom's return gives us a couple of options, particularly in the spin department," Swabrick said.

With Dave Kidner also back, Bournemouth leave out Matt Mixer and Charlie Holcomb, who will bolster a strong-looking 2nd XI who will be aiming to strengthen their Hampshire League promotion bid against Basingstoke & North Hants.

Resoundingly beaten by champions Havant last week, Bournemouth will expect to beat second-to-bottom Liphook, although their ability to bowl the Surrey club out will be crucial.

"The toss could be all important. Liphook can be a difficult side to bowl out," Swarbrick says.

Matt King wants Bashley (Rydal) to build on last week's success against South Wilts, but knows the Rose Bowl meeting with the Hampshire Academy will be a demanding occasion.

"It's noticeable how they have improved since the introduction of the all-day format," the Bashley captain said.

"The Academy players are bred on the longer game and, on their own Nursery ground surface, will be a very difficult side to beat.

"The other problem is that you never quite know who you are going to be playing against."

Bashley's form has noticeably improved since Western Australian Brad Thompson returned from injury.

The Academy will choose from a 13-man squad, which includes Ventnor's Ian Hilsum and Portsmouth teenager James Manning.

Basement boys Calmore Sports, who trail Liphook & Ripsley by two points at the bottom, are desperate to win against Andover at Loperwood Park.

Second XI captain Tim Keighley gets the call for Andover, whose 284-run captain Roger Miller lies third in the Premier batting charts.