Key South Wilts all-rounder Harry Broderick is optimistic he'll be fit for the start of the ECB Southern Premier League season on Saturday despite fracturing a finger on his left-hand in the pre-season defeat by the Hampshire Academy.

The injury prone Broderick, who suffered on-going back issues last summer, went to hospital immediately after dislocating his left little finger, which was put back into shape by Hampshire's medical team, writes Mike Vimpany.

"I had the injury x-rayed and there's a definite fracture," he revealed. "But I'm pretty positive I'll be at Bashley (Rydal) on Saturday."

Losing one of his most influential players before the season has barely begun would be another ill-timed blow for skipper Ben Draper, who has been busy rebuilding his side after half of last season's Bemerton first team left.

After influential opening bowler Matt Burton announced he was joining WEPL side Bridgwater, opening batsman Jack Stearman left for Premier Division rivals Bashley (Rydal).

How ironic his Bashley debut could be against South Wilts - that's if the overworked BCG volunteer ground force can get the pitch and outfield fit.

If that was not enough, big hitting Ben Huntley switched to another WEPL side, Premier Division 2 outfit Corsham and off-spinner Tom Lewis moved to Portsmouth, where he now lives. Australian Peter Rowe is unlikely to play this summer.

South Wilts have, however, brought in past Academy all-rounder Tom Cheater to open the batting alongside James Degg and recruited Australian Ryan Freeman from the Sydney Grade club Campbelltown Camden.

The Aussie, who took five wickets against Poole Town last weekend, may open the South Wilts attack with teenager Matt Falconer, with 2023 Southern Premier League bowling award winner Tom Grant and Archie Fairfax-Ross the prime spinners.

Fairfax-Ross and Millfield big hitter Ben Howgrave-Graham could be two youngsters to watch for South Wilts.