Another test in Priory title bid

Priory take on Horsham in a Sussex Cricket League first versus third showdown at Horntye Park Sports Complex. Play will start at 12.30pm.

Opening bowler John Morgan, who will play as a batsman due to a knee injury, said: “It’s a massive game.

“The bulk of their side is made up of promising young Sussex cricketers and it looks to be a very even game.”

Priory have been in scintillating form during the first third of the season, winning five and drawing one of their opening six matches to sit 10 points clear of second-placed Preston Nomads.

Their latest triumph was a terrific 39-run success over Eastbourne last weekend, and their next two games after tomorrow are against the bottom two teams Three Bridges and Pulborough.

Horsham are 15 points behind Priory having won five and lost one so far. Their key men are Sussex duo Will Beer and Devon Endersby, who scored 175 runs between them in last weekend’s win over Roffey.

“We’ve got to be on top form to get another victory,” continued Morgan. “But the way we’ve started (the season) we’ve got to be positive and fancy our chances.”

Priory are hopeful that professionals Matt Machan and Kirk Wernars will again feature. Wernars smashed 81 off 55 balls with nine fours and a six for Sussex seconds in an ECB Twenty20 Competition match against Hampshire on Monday. The South African was also in the first team squad against Essex on Wednesday evening.

Joynal Ahmed, who performed impressively with ball and bat against Eastbourne, is unavailable due to school commitments, but Max Finzel is a possible inclusion. Nomads are at home to fourth-placed East Grinstead today.