SIXTEEN-year-old Alex Turner will temporarily put the books to one side when he opens the batting for Bashley.

The Ringwood School pupil, who is studying for his GCSEs, is set to make his first XI debut in Saturday's Southern Premier League trip to Hampshire Academy.

Coincidentally, Bash skipper Michael Porter also made his Southern League bow against Hampshire Academy as a 16-year-old.

Turner, who has come across from Ellingham colts, earned his call for first-team duty after scoring 153 runs for the second team at an average of 38.

"It will be a great test for him," said Porter.

With three wins in their opening four Premier Division matches, Bash are without Pat Holly, Dan Goodey and Chris Ridley due to unavailability, while Kevin Nash has a hamstring injury.

There are recalls for experienced duo Simon Watkins and Simon Ridley.

Porter and co will hope to close the gap on league leaders Burridge, who have won all three of their league games so far this season.

Bash: Digby, Turner, Taylor, Porter, Jacques, Andrews, Wilson, Thomson, Watkins, Currie, Ridley.

Winless Lymington are at home to South Wilts while New Milton, who sit at the bottom of the embryonic standings, entertain Alton (all 11am).