Big weekend for in-form Bexhill

Malcolm Johnson’s side will tackle a crucial Sussex Premier League relegation battle away to Eastbourne tomorrow (Saturday) before contesting a Gray-Nicolls Sussex T20 Cup semi-final at Preston Nomads on Sunday.

Bexhill’s survival prospects in the league appeared bleak a fortnight ago when they were bottom of the table and 39 points adrift of the team occupying the final safe spot of third-bottom having played an extra game.

But things now look a good deal more encouraging. Consecutive home wins over East Grinstead and Brighton & Hove have lifted Bexhill off the bottom and within five points of third-bottom Brighton having played the same number of matches.

And if they can beat an Eastbourne side which trails them by 35 points having played a fixture less, Bexhill could well find themselves outside the drop zone going into their final seven league encounters.

Bexhill still feel as though they should have won the drawn reverse fixture on May 12, but will be hoping that Ben Brown and Luke Wells - both of whom played for Eastbourne last weekend - are required by Sussex tomorrow.

In fact, Bexhill have won their last five matches in all competitions because they have beaten Sidley, Hastings Priory and Haywards Heath to set up the T20 Cup last four tie against league leaders Nomads.

Ian Ellis and Tom Powell are due to return for Bexhill, who lose Joe Cox. The final of the Gray-Nicolls Sussex T20 Cup, incidentally, will take place at the PROBIZ County Ground, Hove, on Sunday July 29.

See today’s Bexhill Observer for the full article.