All-rounders Intikhab Alam has special incentive to turn on the magic for Sidley this season. The 27-year-old from Lahore is being sponsored for every run he scores and wicket he takes.

Intikhab, no relation to the former Pakistan Test star of the same name, has impressed his colleagues at Gullivers as they chase promotion to the Premier Division.

Skipper Peter King said: "We have lined up sponsors for his batting and bowling so, if he does well, it benefits him and the team as well.

"His English is limited but he is dedicated to the game and takes it very seriously."

This is Intikhab's second season in England having previously played in the Birmingham League.

He is a professional back in Pakistan and looks to top up his earnings with visits to these shores.

King, whose club secured their overseas star through an agent, admitted: "You are in the dark when you sign these guys.

"But we did some homework on him on the internet and so far, so good.

"He is happy here and we are pleased with what he is doing."

Intikhab is not the only player impressing. King has also been pleased with young Jonathan Haffenden in his first season as opener.

Sidley are looking to complete a notable double at Gullivers after the success of the football team who also use the ground.

They were on the back foot at Preston Nomads last Saturday before rain came but there are bound to be some twists and turns in what is developing into a fascinating promotion battle.

Simon May reached three figures off just 83 balls on his way to 125 for Nomads, who remain very much in the promotion picture ahead of today's visit to leaders St James Montefiore.

Last week's key encounter between Steyning and Stirlands was also a victim of the weather.

St James skipper Guy Forester knows all about Steyning's threat after his side lost to them a fortnight ago.

Forester admitted: "They looked a very strong side that day with some good individuals."

Littlehampton complete the contingent of six teams looking for two promotion places.