BOTH Ridley brothers will be hoping to avoid a splash tomorrow when they lock horns for a siblings’ showdown in Bashley’s trip to Ventnor.

The duo, who helped Bournemouth to 2009 Cockspur Twenty20 Cup glory, will make the return Isle-of-Wight ferry trip together when they line up on opposing sides for the first time since their Chapel Gate exits.

And while there is no suggestion of anyone swimming home just yet, father David, a former Worcestershire, Dorset and Bournemouth player, will no doubt be hoping the winner’s celebrations don’t go overboard.

It promises to be a real family affair with Ridley Snr returning from holiday in time to watch the brothers go head to head.

And Bashley ace Simon expects his father to sit on the fence once the action starts.

The Bash all-rounder told the Daily Echo: “Dad is a wicketkeeper as well, so he does tend to back Chris up. He gets more joy out of watching us these days, although he does tend to watch Chris a little bit more.

“I don’t know who he will be cheering on. I’m sure he will play it 50-50 – otherwise I will be having words!

“Chris and I left Bournemouth at the same time and this is the second season we have been at different clubs. We are both very competitive, though, and it will be tasty come tomorrow.

“It has been odd not playing alongside my brother but it will be an even stranger feeling going head to head. I am looking forward to it because, without sounding over-confident, I think we are going to win.

“We always got on pretty well, unless he dropped a catch off one of my deliveries but, to be fair, my brother is a pretty handy keeper.”

Ventnor’s Chris, 23, added: “I think our parents try to be fair but dad sees my point of view as a wicketkeeper. It is very easy for a bowler to criticise but everyone is human and makes mistakes.

“It will be weird because we have only played against each other a couple of times. I think Bashley will be favourites but we’ve got the players to score runs and possibly cause a shock.

“One way or the other, someone will be disappointed tomorrow night and it will be an interesting ferry ride on the back as we’re travelling together – or at least that’s what we have planned!”

Meanwhile, Bashley will hand a debut to Zimbabwean Brandon Gilmour, who has featured for Gloucestershire’s second team, while Ryan Higgins from the Middlesex Cricket Academy makes his first league start of the season in place of James Underwood. Nick Baker is unavailable.

Bashley: Thurgood, Terry, Higgins, Gilmour, Morris, Watkins, Ridley, Friedman, Neal, Grierson, Nash.