PURTON skipper Aaron Lee admits that selection headaches have plagued the villagers’ early-season efforts but he’s hoping that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

The villagers, who were runners-up in the Wiltshire Division last term, have won two and lost three of their opening five games this season.

Lee says that he has yet to have all of his options available to him but he’s hoping that the list of absentees is shortening ahead of this weekend’s trip to basement boys Malmesbury.

“It has been a bit of a nightmare and we’ve still got players to come in,” said the Purton captain.

“Getting people out on a Saturday has been really difficult and if we lose someone, it can be really hard.

“Elijah Samuel, who’s a young lad that plays for Hampshire academy, should be with us after this weekend but Sam Pinchin should be back.

“We’ve really missed Sam because when he’s not been available, we haven’t had another wicketkeeper to replace him.

“There are still other problems though because Santosh (Iyengar) is injured. Deepak (Ramani) and Zurain Quershi are away at the moment too.

“We’ve just been muddling through and we’re going to have to keep doing it but hopefully it will get better soon.”

Meanwhile, Marlborough will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the league this weekend when they travel to their local rivals Great Bedwyn.

Marlborough coach Tony Dickinson has been pleased by his side’s start to the season which has seen them recover from an opening day defeat at Westbury to put together a four-game winning run.

“The team spirit in the camp is very high and it is being built on with every game now as the confidence and belief within the squad grows,” he said.

“The team ethos has been a priority for me this year and I have tried to get the boys to play with purpose and focus but at the same time in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.

“I think we have achieved this and this I have no doubt has been reflected in the results.”