Southern Electric Contracting Cup Quarter-Finals preview

Dan Goldstraw and Damien Shirazi line up for BAT Sports against their old Lymington team-mates in Tuesday evening's Southern Electric Contracting Knockout Cup quarter-final at Southern Gardens, 6pm.

It's certainly added spice to an already juicy 24-overs per side third round tie, which should attract a decent-size crowd to BAT's headquarters.

Goldstraw and Shirazi switched their allegiance to Ringwood Road at the start of last season when BAT attained 'gold' status - and Lymington didn't.

Goldstraw's left-arm pace, in tandem with Richard Dibden's off-spin, will provide a fascinating challenge for Lymington's potentially explosive Australian import Brian Clemow.

On paper, BAT look to have an edge in the bowling department - Lymington may well use three spinners - but the New Forest club have undoubted talent down the order.

In addition to Clemow, Glyn Treagus, Ben Craft and Neil Trestrail are all potential match winners in a tie that is unquestionably Southampton's biggest knockout game in years.

Ironically, Havant - who entertain Premier 1 rivals Burridge - are the only one of the quarter-finalists to have previously won the cup.

They have actually lifted the trophy on three past occasions - in 1981, 1995 and, more recently, in 1997, when West Indian Wilden Cornwall was let loose on Lymington.

Havant are probably favourites this season but Burridge,at full strength, are a useful limited-overs side.

Easton & Martyr Worthy have won a few trophies in their time, but Tuesday's cross-country haul to Rowledge isn't a tie they will relish.

Hampshire YCs all-rounder Chris Yates is back from Cardiff University to bolster Rowledge, who pose a stern threat on their own tight village ground.

And what odds on Flamingos upsetting the apple cart and bowling over Premier 1 opponents Andover out in the sticks at The Holt ?

On present league batting form, not much, but - like Easton & Martyr Worthy - they aren't bad in the short game.

Andover, though, will probably field Australian Sam Miller - who plays Surrey Championship cricket at Camberley - and his presence could sway the day.

The semi-finals are on July 10 and 12, with the final at the Hampshire Rose Bowl Nursery ground on Wednesday August 1.