BRACEBRIDGE HEATH "must not lose" tomorrow's title clash with Bourne in what promises to be the biggest match of the season, according to Matthew Bradley.

Heath are 6.96 percentage points adrift of leaders Bourne, who have lost only one match in their last 12 outings in the ECB Premier League.

And off-spin bowler Bradley admits that with that gap to the league's table-toppers it would be nearly impossible for Bracebridge to continue their fight for the title if they suffer defeat at Cross O' Cliff Court tomorrow (noon).

"If we beat them then it obviously decides whether we are still in the fight for the title," says Bradley.

"If we were to lose then you would look at it and say the gap is too big, and it becomes a 'must not lose' match for us."

Bourne finished third-bottom in the division last season and have taken a remarkable rise up the league in 12 months.

Their star performer has undoubtedly been overseas professional Fahad Masood.

The Pakistani has taken the most wickets in the division with a haul of 58 victims and has also scored 429 runs with the bat.

The Abbey Lawn outfit are also led by former Bracebridge player Peter Morgan.

However, Bradley talked down any fears over individuals in the opposition and praised the team spirit that has been shown at the league leaders.

"We can't be too concerned with individuals and must worry about our own jobs," said the 30-year-old.

"They do have a very good overseas (player), a selection of decent seamers and some good batsmen too.

"And the team spirit they demonstrated against us was clear, I think that could be where they have improved on last year.

"Peter (Morgan) left us on good terms so there'll be no major issues playing against him.

"I'd normally wish him the best of luck in matches but on Saturday I'll be hoping he doesn't have such a good day."

Bracebridge have been ECB Premier League champions for seven consecutive years, and it is their domination of the competition which makes tomorrow's match all the more crucial.

Bradley, who took six for 14 last weekend against Louth, confessed that he and his team-mates do not wish to be known as the side that failed to continue their dominant run of championships.

"Of course we don't want to be a part of the team that loses the championship, especially when you look at how many years we have been winning it for," he said.

"Although, when you look at the big picture, the record can have a negative effect, so we'll need to just focus on defeating Bourne."