Sussex and England ace Yardy is a possible inclusion in the Priory side to entertain Preston Nomads in the Premier Division at Horntye Park Sports Complex today.

Senior player John Morgan said: "That will definitely give us a lift. Somebody with his experience in the top three will give us a bit more of a platform."

Yardy, 27, was part of the title-winning Hastings squad in 2003 and played in the opening match of the 2004 season before establishing himself as a Sussex regular.

He has since gone on to play in six One Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals for his country, as well as becoming vice-captain of his county.

His last appearance for Priory came during May last year when he made 56 on his comeback from a broken finger in the three-wicket victory at home to Horsham.

Tomorrow's match could provide former William Parker Sports College student Yardy with valuable time in the middle as Sussex are currently in the midst of a 14-day break between fixtures.

Hastings remain top of the table despite last weekend's six-wicket loss at home to Brighton & Hove, yet only 16 points separate the leading four clubs.

Nomads are currently in fourth spot, but have two games in hand on Priory and were crushing winners by 176 runs in the reverse fixture during May.

"It's not a must win game, but it's a must not lose game," added Morgan. "It's the biggest game of the season and it will probably determine whether we're going to be mid-table or pushing for the title."

Tim van Noort and Richard Young are expected to return so Hastings should be at full strength barring George Campbell, who is due back next weekend. Play will start at 12.30pm.

Elsewhere, Division Two leaders Bexhill will seek a fifth successive home victory against fourth-placed Roffey at The Polegrove from 1pm.

Captain Jonathan Haffenden said: "We've got to be looking to beat Roffey and then not lose against Lewes. It's two very big weeks for us."

Bexhill, who memorably chased down 280 in the reverse fixture, expect to welcome back Ashley Wright and hopefully Shan Abey, but there's a bit of a question mark over Ian Ellis.

Sidley will entertain seventh-placed Worthing, meanwhile, at Gullivers from 1pm.