SKIPPER Simon Watkins admits he is fully aware of the significance of Bournemouth’s showdown with Division One title rivals Havant tomorrow.

Bournemouth’s credentials to retain the silverware are set to face a stern test when they host the in-form Hampshire outfit at Chapel Gate (11.30am).

Currently second, the Lions – who ended Havant’s three-year stranglehold on the competition last season – would go top with either a victory or a winning draw.

Watkins said: “They have won six on the bounce and it is potentially a huge game. We are less than a point behind them on average so it is very important that we get at least a winning draw.”

Bournemouth have managed to remain competitive despite the loss of several members of last season’s squad, including bowling heroes Ed Denham and Scott Barlow.

Watkins added: “We have done very well because we haven’t be able to keep the same side for two games in a row. It has been a fantastic squad effort to still be on a good run and second in the table.”

Simon Ridley returns for Bournemouth after missing last week’s nine-wicket win at Bashley, while Jamie Cook keeps his place following his impressive showing at the BGC.

Bournemouth: Watkins, N Park, Porter, J Park, House, Butler, Metcalfe, C Ridley, S Ridley, Cook, Staniford.

• Key all-rounder Darren Cowley is unavailable for Lymington’s bottom-of-the-table clash with Andover at the Sports Ground, although Damian Shirazi returns following injury (11.30am).

Lymington: Pain, Treagus, Grierson, Shirazi, Beetham, Freeman, Lammiman, Thacker, Owens, Khan, Kelly.

• Neil Thurgood and Nick Baker both return to bolster Bashley’s bid to halt a four-match losing run at St Cross (11.30am).

Bashley: Neal, Sexton, Thurgood, Morris, Friedman, Baker, Miller, S Lilley, J Lilley, Grierson, Nash.

• In Division Two, Bournemouth visit bottom-placed Burridge, while New Milton will be bidding to maintain their recent mini-revival when they host Hook & Newnham Basics (both 1pm).

• Rivals Bournemouth and Bashley will square up in the semi-final of the Southern Electric t20 Cup at the BCG on Sunday (3pm).

Holders Bashley booked their place with a 35-run win over Hook & Newnham Basics, while the Lions coasted past St Cross Symondians by seven wickets.

Richard Morris (83) and Dan Friedman (45) helped Bashley run up 201 for five against Hook before Morris (3-33), Jake Lilley (2-33) and Andy Neal (2-30) restricted the visitors to 166 for eight.

Meanwhile, Nick Park (63), Mark House (27) and Watkins (32*) helped ensure Bournemouth would successfully chase down St Cross’s 142 for nine.

In the second semi-final, Lymington visit Havant with a place up for grabs in the Rose Bowl final under the floodlights on Tuesday, August 9.

• Poole Town meet Kingston Lacy in the final of the Wimborne Evening League Campbell Cup on Monday.

The eagerly-awaited showdown between the Dorset big guns takes place at Hamworthy Club on Magna Road (6pm start).