SKIPPER Ryan Beck says New Milton are lacking batsmen who can "compete" in Southern Premier League cricket – but is certain three more victories will secure his team's Premier Division status.

The Green and Golds host Hampshire Academy at Fernhill Sports Ground tomorrow, a fixture sure to evoke happy memories for Beck and his troops.

New Milton comfortably knocked off 300 to beat the academy on the season's first day, when Beck provided the star turn with a destructive 110.

Nevertheless, defeat to basement dwellers Andover last week – when they folded for 101 to lose by 72 runs – saw New Milton slip further into the mire, with this weekend's opponents the only other team beneath them in the standings.

Beck told the Daily Echo: "Every game is a big one for us now. If we want to stay in the league we have to get three wins from somewhere.

"We're punching slightly above our weight at the moment so, to win a game, we have to give it absolutely everything.

"That's the position we're in after losing a few players over the summer.

"We're definitely lacking batsmen who can compete in this league, so we have to perform all the way down the order."

"The first match against the academy is a nice memory to have, but you're only as good as your last game. We've moved on since then and we have to pull something out of the bag here."

New Milton's problems with the bat go back further than their demise against Andover. They were shot out for 42 by Havant last month and have failed to pass 200 on four other occasions this season.

"If we lose a couple of wickets we seem to lose the rest for nothing," said Beck. "We need a couple of partnerships in the top five – when that happens, we're generally alright.

"But saying it and doing it are two very different things at the moment. It's all in the head. We have to come together and apply ourselves better than we have been.

"And not just with the bat, with the ball as well. We need to stand up and commit, to do it on the day, not just talk about it.

"When you're down it feels like you're miles from a win. But let's remember, we pay £12 a week to play cricket. It's just a hobby. Let's get out there, enjoy it and see what happens."

Elsewhere, table-toppers Bashley – who have won three on the bounce following a shock defeat at New Milton last month – have a home game against Burridge.

Lymington, in second and snapping at Bash's heels following a run of five wins and one draw in their past six games, welcome third-placed South Wilts to The Sports Ground for what should be an intriguing contest.

In Division One, Bournemouth go to Rowledge looking to arrest a run of four successive defeats away from home.