Tichborne Park's bid to claim the Southern Electric Premier League, Division 3 top spot has been hit by an injury which could keep vice-captain John Cook sidelined for a month.

Cook, pictured, with a consistent aggregate 156 runs in Park's four straight wins so far, lacerated and fractured his right ring finger taking a diving one-handed catch in midweek.

Now he travels to lowly Hook & Newnham Basics in a spectator-only role, but regular Tichborne captain John Stock has interrupted his World Cup trip to Germany to lead the side.

Tichborne lie third in the table, just behind Easton & Martyr Worthy, who are bolstered by the return of Australian opener Scott Smith and all-rounder Shaun Green at Hambledon.

Leaders Hartley Wintney should extend their unblemished start against struggling BAT Sports II at Southern Gardens.

Fourth-placed Burridge expect Hampshire's Richard Logan their five-wicket hero at Gosport two weeks ago to return at Andover.

Fair Oak are unchanged at Paultons, as are New Milton, who receive basement boys Sparsholt at Fernhill.

Richard Knowles has recovered from flu and plays for Bashley (Rydal) II against Calmore Sports and teenager Ed Denham has recovered from a broken big toe in time to face United Services at Burnaby Road.