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PHC will not take Warwick lightly

Cal Waldron losing his middle stump

PHC veteran Cal Waldron insists his side won't being taking either one of their weekend fixtures lightly as they look for an unbeaten two days against Warwick and Southampton Rangers in the Western Counties and Premier Division respectively.

While many would consider today's match against First Division outfit Warwick at Southampton Oval a walk over, Waldron is adamant his teammates will treat the challengers with the same respect they would a Premier Division side.

"We have prepared ourselves the same as any other game, obviously with Warwick being where they are in the First Division a lot of people would think we would take them lightly but we will treat them the same as any other team we have faced this year," said Waldron.

"We have two games this weekend and want to wrap up today's match as quickly as possible to rest ourselves for Sunday."

While Warwick should be a straight forward win for the BELCO Cup champions, tomorrow's match, also at the Oval, will see the side face off against a familiar foe in league leaders Rangers.

Haven beaten them twice already this year, Waldron reckons this match has far more at stake than the previous encounters.

A win for the leaders will see them pretty much wrap up the league with PHC fighting for the final BELCO spot, while a win would see PHC solidify their spot in the middle of the pack and all but guaranteed a spot in next season's edition of the BELCO Cup.

"We have beaten them twice this year, but we know they will be looking to keep their place at the top of the table, and at the same time we would like to get the points to give us some sort of cushion in the league," said Waldron.

"So it is a crucial game and our focus is just as much on Sunday as it is on Saturday and everyone is ready for both games.

"We want to finish the season with as many wins as we can, and bearing in mind those behind us can catch us, we need to get the points to make that a non issue, but also a loss would make our last two games that more important

Tomorrow's Premier Division schedule sets up a few key matches that can go a long way to deciding both legitimate title contenders and those doomed for relegation.

Rangers know a win would put them three points clear of second place Bailey's Bay, who have a bye this weekend, and set up the showdown between the two clubs next weekend.

Defending champions St. David's meanwhile face a tricky task when they play Willow Cuts at Lords, with the champions needing the points to stay with Rangers, while Cuts need to move themselves further away from the relegation battle that is shaping up around them.

Yet, the most intriguing match should be Somerset's clash with Devonshire Rec. at Somerset Cricket Club. Somerset currently lie on six points, two ahead of their opponents and Cuts, with a win drawing them level with PHC should they fail to win.

A win for the visitors would put them level with Somerset with two matches remaining after the weekend's play. With both sides' destiny in their own hands, Somerset skipper Jacobi Robinson insists it is a must win game for both teams.

"It is important that we get the win to keep us in the loop for the final BELCO Cup spot, but a few players, including myself, are on the injured list, with my knee acting up, so we will be a little depleted and will need to remain focused," said Robinson.

"I think Jekon is away on vacation as well, so we need to regroup from last week's loss to Willow Cuts and get back on track.

"We know we need a win and to beat those directly around us, so this is important.

"We have to keep on playing hard and fighting hard in order to stay away from the relegation fight."

* The Women's Super Six Tournament that was due to take place today at the National Sports Centre has been postponed until Saturday, August 21.