A LOCAL rivalry is set to be renewed tomorrow in the WEPL Wiltshire Division as Wootton Bassett host Nationwide House at Rylands Way.

The two teams have enjoyed indifferent starts to the campaign, with Nationwide tying their opener against Marlborough before losing to Lechlade and Bassett slipping up against Devizes before seeing off Spye Park.

And both will be looking to increase their early-season momentum as they square up to teams they know very well.

Injured Nationwide skipper Joe Perkins knows the scale of the task at hand, but hopes a few returning squad members can help secure his team’s first victory of the campaign.

“Bassett will provide the sternest of tests since they have spent a couple of seasons in a higher league, and we look forward to the challenge to gauge where we will end up this season,” he said.

“We welcome back Adam Tooze from some impressive performances at uni as we look to him to grab us those important early wickets with his extra pace and variation.

“Nick Clarke returns to the top of the innings still full of runs and will take on the captaincy whilst I rest for one more week.”

Meanwhile, Bassett captain Jag Chahal recognised the threat posed by the visitors’ top order, insisting the match will be a closely-run affair.

“I am sure that Nationwide will be looking to raise their game after early season losses and a local derby maybe just what they need to kick start their campaign,” he said.

“Over the years players have played for both clubs so I am sure that pride will be at stake for both sets of players.

“Nationwide have a nucleus of good players and the likes of the Clarke and Flay brothers and Luke Bradley-Leach will be eager to show their talents to press home a victory.”

Bassett coach Kev Pamphilion is looking for the team to repeat the performance against Spye Park.

“The team fielded and bowled superbly last week and we are hopeful of a repeat performance and execution of plans set out by myself and the skipper,” he said.

Bassett recall Darren Fisher in place of the absent Ali Wood.

In the WEPL Glos/Wilts Division, Goatacre face Potterne in their first serious test since promotion last term.

Craig Gibbens’ side are unchanged for the clash against a Potterne side who boast a 100 per cent record so far this season.

“This will be a good indicator of where we are in this league,” said Goatacre captain Gibbens.