DIVISION TWO: Old Southendian & Southchurch captain Matt Wilson has called on his team to step up in the absence of star bowler Andrew McGarry and get the better of Wickford.

The Old Boys are on a four match losing streak, while Wickford are Shepherd Neame Essex League Division Two’s in-form team.

Wickford sit third in the standings and will want maximum points as they bid to close the gap on the leaders.

“I think a win tomorrow can turn the season around,” said Wilson.

“Players are coming into form now, so this weekend could hopefully be when it all comes together at last.

“Andrew McGarry is injured, which is a blow, but I have confidence in the other bowlers that they can stand up and take over from him.

“If we bowl as well as we did last week (against Oakfield Parkonians), and improve our catching work in the field, we will be giving ourselves the best possible chance.”

McGarry has been a star performer so far this season, taking 25 wickets at a strike rate of 22.56.

Basildon & Pitsea sit rock bottom after just one win from their first eight matches of the season.

And they will look to halt the resurgence of Horndon-on-the-Hill, who have won back-to-back matches to move eight points clear of the relegation places.

Basildon’s only win to date came at Mopsies Park, where they defeated Old Southendian.

Can Michael Gray’s struggling side secure more success on home soil?

Elsewhere in the division, joint leaders Hainault & Clayhall host fourth-placed Loughton, Hutton - tied at the summit - take on Old Brentwoods, and Oakfield Parkonians play Fives & Heronians.