Second-placed Priory go into their final three Premier Division matches trailing Preston Nomads by 15 points and having played an extra game.

Hastings captain Finch said: "There's nobody more positive than me and I will never give up, but realistically it's going to be very difficult for us.

"We're a good enough side to win our last three games, but they (Nomads) are too good a side to drop that many points to let us back into it."

Nomads hit the front courtesy of a six-wicket win over the Sussex Development XI on Sunday after Saturday's entire Premier Division programme was washed out.

Among the victims was Priory's derby at home to third-placed Eastbourne which was abandoned with the hosts 112-0 - James Beeny and Toby Finzel both 54 not out.

"I still think we've got the best three seamers in the league as a package," continued Finch, "but Nomads have got something special in Carl Simon and he will win them the league."

Fulking-based Nomads have won seven and drawn one of their last eight completed matches, and three of their remaining four fixtures are at home.

Finch added: "We're the best team by an absolute mile and it's one of the strongest sides I've ever played in, but I can honestly say we don't deserve to win the league because we've just not been quite consistent enough."

Hastings will welcome back George Campbell, Mick Glazier and Tim van Noort for the trip to Cuckfield tomorrow, but Bradley Smith is unavailable.

Remaining matches - Hastings Priory: tomorrow Cuckfield (a), August 30 Stirlands (a), September 6 East Grinstead (h). Preston Nomads: tomorrow Three Bridges (h), August 23 Brighton & Hove (h), August 30 Chichester Priory Park (a), September 6 Eastbourne (h). Eastbourne: tomorrow Stirlands (a), Sunday Sussex Development XI (h), August 23 Chichester Priory Park (h), August 30 Horsham (a), September 6 Preston Nomads (a).