CRICKET: Eddie Abel’s broken finger hoodoo has struck again.

For the second consecutive season, the little South Wilts left-hand opener will sit out the climax to the Premier League title race.

Just as he did midway through last season after scoring an SPL best 138 not out against Ventnor, Abel has fractured a finger, this time after top scoring with 79 in his side’s 69-run win over St Cross.

“I was gutted when it happened last season and it’s unbelievable I’ve got injured again,” he mused.

“After last year I was so looking forward to playing a major role this time around, but now it looks as if I’m stuck on the boundary line again.”

On a positive note, Zimbabwean all-rounder Ryan Burl, out for three months since early May with a dislocated shoulder, made a successful return, scoring a quick-fire 41 against the Winchester side and then helping South Wilts beat Sarisbury to reach next Friday’s SEPL twenty20 Cup final.