Two big south Essex promotion derby vie for the limelight tomorrow with important Premier Division games for Billericay and Wickford.

However, fourth-placed Westcliff , who travel to Hadleigh & Thundersley (third) in Division One, are reeling after learning that prolific Australian opener Steve Green could be out through injury for the rest of the season.

Green, who cracked a match-sealing 102 in 70 balls against lowly Ardleigh Green last Saturday, hurt his knee when playing the next day.

Skipper Tim Wade, who returns after missing last week's win, said: "It's a big blow and I'm sure Hadleigh will be glad Steve's not playing.

"We've got Colchester, who are second, the following week, then games against lower sides. So if we can stay in touch in the next fortnight and then do well in the four remaining games we could still get promoted."

John Chesterton drops down to Westcliff's second team.

Hadleigh, meanwhile, are without the holidaying Glen Geeson, so in comes 19-year-old top-order batsman Luke Bauckham, who started the summer in the third XI.

Hadleigh spokesman Jon Wagstaff - whose side are 11 points behind Colchester -- said: "We're quietly confident - and I emphasise quietly - because we are at home.

"With Chelmsford and Colchester doing so well, we certainly can't afford a bad result."

Down in Division Two, Old Southendian , who host leaders Leigh , give a debut to high-order batsman/off-spinner Ben Green, just a week after he played against the Old Boys for tourists North Leeds.

Green and key batsman Alan Draycott, come in for unavailable pair Dave Evans and Malcolm Carradus, while Chris Sorrell, who left at tea-time last week because his wife was having a baby, hopes to play a full match this time!

Bunce said of newcomer Green today (Friday): "He's just moved from Yorkshire to Rayleigh. It's nice that we can strengthen the club.

"Tomorrow's another game where we have to take most of the points to stay in the chase."

South Woodford, inbetween Leigh and Southendian, are 25 points clear of the Old Boys.

Back up in the Shepherd Neame Premier, bottom-placed Wickford go to unbeaten leaders Saffron Walden.

Sixth-placed Billericay's bid to halt their slide at home to Shenfield is boosted by spinner Andy Maxwell's return.

Much-weakened Horndon , perched precariously third from bottom in Division One, welcome back opener Cliff Jeyes at home to Chelmsford.

However, high-scoring skipper Dave Stitson, who returns the following week for another tricky clash at fourth-placed Chingford, is still among a handful of major absentees.

Fourth-placed Division Three side Southend , whose promotion hopes have been curbed by eight draws in their 12 games, visit Epping, who have suffered six defeats.

Rock-bottom Basildon travel to second-placed Hutton, while Benflee t, one place and 27 points clear of the new towners, visit mid-table Old Brentwoods.

Hoping to rise again - Billericay

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.