Promising New Milton based all-rounder David Wheeler will be a key absentee when the Hampshire Academy make their Premier 1 debut against South Wilts on The Rose Bowl nursery ground.

Along with Chris Benham, Wheeler is suffering from back problems and may be out of action for some while.

Iain Brunnschweiler captains the Young Hawks, while South Wilts will be without the prolific Russell Rowe, who is golfing in France, and Jon Nash, who is having a sabbatical.

Calmore prospect Matt Metcalfe, who works on the Rose Bowl groundstaff, is set for his Academy debut, while Jason Laney - released by Hampshire at the end of last season - makes a swift return to West End in South Wilts' colours.

Spearheading the Bemerton attack is Australian Jimmy Seeary, who plays VCA A-Grade cricket for South Melbourne, alongside Gloucestershire's Roger Sillence and Greg Cox, who joins Havant in late May.

Portsmouth are aiming for a major title push this term under former Hampshire all-rounder Lee Savident.

They face off against Liphook & Ripley at St Helen's, Southsea, where former Hampshire all-rounder Jon Ayling could make a surprise return after a long-term knee injury.

Andrew Locke, the Gauteng B all-rounder, makes his Portsmouth debut, with Neil Randall lining up against his old Liphook teammates.

Havant-bound Chris Wright has also departed the Liphook scene, leaving South African Ali Gray with a massive run-scoring burden on his shoulders.