Second chance Saturday for Glos/Wilts rivals

9:30am Friday 9th May 2008

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"OUR season starts here," is the message from captain Nick Crabbe to his players as Marlborough look to kick-start their Glos/Wilts campaign with victory over rivals Goatacre tomorrow.

Both sides suffered heavy defeats on the opening day of the season, and Crabbe knows another loss would pile on the pressure for his players.

Marlborough produced an escape act Houdini himself would have been proud of to avoid relegation last summer, but Crabbe admits they can't rely on that sort of magic this time around.

"It's a massive game for us on Saturday because we really don't want to start with two losses," he said.

"We got ourselves into a good position twice against Chippenham last week, then threw it away.

"We beat Goatacre here last year but we were fighting for our lives, whereas they had nothing to play for. I'm expecting a tough game."

Goatacre skipper Sam Parish also recognises the importance of tomorrow's clash at Savernake Forest, after his side went down by four wickets at home to Gloucester City Winget last week.

Parish said: "It's a game that we are looking to win and one that I'm sure Marlborough are targeting as well.

"They turned us over last year but I think we were a little too relaxed because we knew we were safe.

"This match will be very different. It's a crucial game for both sides and I expect it to be very close."

John Carroll is missing for Marlborough, so Graham Loney steps in for the hosts. Goatcre will field the same XI as last week.

Promising all-rounder James Woodroof will make his first team debut for Swindon at Lydney.

Captain Darren Beasant has warned his side not to expect a repeat of their performance at Swan Road last summer, when Swindon dismissed their hosts for just 34.

Beasant said: "They have an Aussie overseas who plays Grade One cricket, and a spin bowler who has played Minor Counties for Devon. We can't just roll up and expect to win like last year. We are confident, but we will pay them every respect."

Elsewhere in Glos/Wilts, Wootton Bassett will be hoping to build on their excellent opening day triumph over Biddestone when they travel to Marshfield.

Captain Neil Twine said: "Every game is going to be like a cup final for us in this division, and we just want to keep that winning mentality.

"It was good to start with a victory last week, but we must improve our batting to stay competitive.

"Hopefully the pitches will be much flatter after a week of sunshine."