LYMINGTON captain Simon Beetham insists trying to win the Southern Premier League time pennant must play second fiddle to maintaining a title challenge.

Victory over local rivals New Milton at the Sports Ground tomorrow would guarantee Lymington their first honour in the long format of the competition (11am).

But with Lymington second in the overall table – and with five 50-overs games remaining – Beetham knows beating New Milton will be vital if they are to keep the heat on leaders South Wilts.

He told the Daily Echo: “We are all looking forward to the challenge of playing New Milton with the added incentive of winning the time pennant.

“But first and foremost, the target is performing well and getting a positive result which would keep us in the hunt for the overall title.

“That said, the time pennant would be a welcome reward for the club, the team’s performances this year and our progression over the past seven years or so.”

Lymington must do without talismanic all-rounder Matt Metcalfe, who is on a stag-do, and opening batsman Ben Rogers, who is attending a 21st birthday party.

The New Forest rivals again lock horns at the Sports Ground on Sunday with a place in the semi-finals of the SPL t20 Plate at stake for the victors (3pm).

Bashley’s bid for double honours sees them visit Alton in the Premier Division tomorrow (11am) before heading to Hook & Newnham Basics in the quarter-final of the SPL t20 Cup on Sunday (3pm).

Bournemouth host fellow high-fliers Calmore Sports in a crucial Division One showdown at Chapel Gate (1pm).

Lymington: Beetham, Ellis, Hand, Freeman, Woodward, Lock, Robertson, Calcott, Scott, Dickinson, Ambrose.

New Milton: R Beck, L Beck, T Arnold, Wakefield, Loader, Edwards, J Arnold, Watts, Staniford, Shrubsole, Hussey.