Cricket derby at the Polegrove

Despite Bexhill's game-by-game improvement, the form book favours Sidley who are unbeaten so far this season in Division Two.

Sidley skipper Scott Woodroffe believes the derby on Saturday May 31 is too close to call. "I always look forward to a local derby and it's going to be as tough as ever. They've got another good overseas player but if we play well we've got every chance of winning," he said.

"I would probably say we are favourites. In fact it's probably the first time I've gone into a local derby as favourite but having said that we are relatively evenly matched."

Bexhill supremo Steve Phillimore played down the rivalry. He commented: "I always look forward to playing them. We enjoy each other's company, everybody knows everybody and it will be a good laugh.

"I have to say they will start as favourites. Their results so far have been more impressive than ours." Sidley expect to be unchanged but Bexhill's Alan Cowley (unavailable) will be replaced by Mark Ablitt and Martin Phillimore returns. Play starts at 1.15pm.