TROWBRIDGE: TROWBRIDGE will be without overseas star Assad Fudadin tomorrow as they look to complete a Premier Two double over title-chasing Bridgwater.

The Guyanan all-rounder damaged the ligaments in his heel during a friendly against Portishead Pirates on Sunday and could be sidelined for up to two weeks. Fudadin was one of only three Trowbridge batsmen to reach double figures on Saturday in a demoralising 47-run defeat to Ilminster.

The talented left-hander was run out for 63 as Trowbridge were bowled out for 148 in reply to Ilminster's 196-8. The following day Fudadin collided with another fielder and was taken to hospital for an X-ray, which revealed ligament damage.

The news came as a major blow to captain Richard Holbrook, who saw his team suffer back-to-back defeats for the first time this summer. He said: "It looks as though Assad could be missing for a few weeks, so the lads will have to rally round and battle hard for each other.

"We are the only team to have beaten Bridgwater so far this season and there's no reason why we can't do it again. Assad scored nine and took no wickets that day so we know we can win without him."

Holbrook is keen to get back to basics after a disastrous batting display against Ilminster at the County Ground. Chasing 197 for victory, the Trowbridge batsmen went into their shell and then threw their wickets away trying to accelerate the scoring rate.

Holbrook (12) and tail-ender Andy Hales (11 not out) were the only other batsmen to join Fudadin in double figures as the hosts slumped to 148 all out. Earlier, Holbrook claimed four wickets to put the brakes on Ilminster as the visitors threatened to set an imposing target.

After Alex Muse had removed the two openers, Ilminster raced to 165-3, with Christiaan Bekker (76) and captain Craig Rice (60) in fine form. Holbrook bowled the last six overs of the innings from one end, returning figures of four for 27.

He said: "I was pleased with the way we stuck together in the field and at tea I thought the target of 196 was highly gettable.

"But we didn't bat well at all. Some of the batsmen went out there with the attitude of trying to preserve their wickets and not score runs.

"From ball one we had a negative mind-set and it cost us in the end. Because we batted so slowly it put pressure on those coming in and we continued to lose wickets at regular intervals."

Holbrook has targeted a league double over Bridgwater tomorrow to boost confidence at the County Ground after two successive defeats. "The team will have to pull together if we want to get anything out of Saturday's game. The batsmen will be working hard at nets to put things right.

"It will be a real test of character with three difficult away games coming up. We want Assad back as soon as possible but we must back ourselves to win without him."