Skipper Jason Finch is backing his Hastings side to bounce back from their record-breaking mauling at Horsham.

But he admits it might help their cause if they do not win the toss too often.

Finch saw his bowlers smashed around Cricketfield Road and lose by four wickets having topped 300. It was the first time 600 runs had been scored in a Sussex League match.

Finch, who hit 101 not out, loved the superb batting conditions but admitted many more wickets like that could cost his side any hope of honours.

He said: "It was a great game of cricket. The wicket was exceptional, the outfield was lightning and there was a short boundary on the pavilion side.

"We went up there with three spinners and the ball didn't turn. It didn't swing or seam or do anything.

"We bowled poorly. We gave them one ball every over that went for four.

"But we know what we did wrong and we are not despondent. We have got the side to win every game this season.

"Our main problem is that we have got a very good wicket at our ground as well. It will be very difficult to bowl sides out and that could be Horsham's downfall as well."

Tim van Noort and James Chaplin both return for today's home clash with East Grinstead.

Newly-promoted Grinstead had their first win last week and skipper Steve Pollard said: "We are a young side and it is a learning process."

Horsham's chairman of selectors Howard Kasey was away on second team duty but said: "It sounded a fantastic game last week. There is great confidence in the side and the boys were not frightened by chasing 300."

First play second at Oaklands Park today where Chichester bid to bounce back from last week's defeat and wipe out Horsham's 20-point lead. Chi crashed by nine wickets at home to Eastbourne but skipper Nick Dyer said: "The margin did not do us justice.

"We have played some good positive cricket this season and hopefully we can keep that going."

Horsham are missing Luke Marshall, Mark Nash and Chris Baker. Brian Chambers, Tim Dodd and promising young quick bowler Nick Weekes come into the side.

Brighton chase a first win against Crowborough and skipper Ray Bieber is losing patience with his side.

He admitted: "We should have beaten Horsham but we have been completely outplayed in the three other games.

"The players have only got a limited time now to show me they are up to playing at this level."

Sussex academy batsman Robert Wakeford may be handed a league debut.

Unchanged Crowborough have special incentive to do well. Brighton are the only Premier side they have never beaten.

Worthing skipper John Kaye is delighted with the progress of his newly-promoted side so far after seeing them go third in the table.

Anthony Brewster (shin) is unfit for today's trip to Haywards Heath but Anthony Aduhene returns as a ready-made replacement.

Kaye, whose side drew with Crowborough last week, said; "We are growing in confidence."

Heath all-rounder Steve Moore is attempting to secure a contract with Worcestershire.

Seamer Mike Hogue is also unavailable. He will return at the end of term when commitments as a shool teacher allow.

Heath's Hugo Southwell is another skipper who admits his side could do with losing the toss. He said: "We are scoring runs but we are struggling to bowl sides out."