DORCHESTER captain James Dunham says the arrival of Bharat Popli and Eral Anderson is a “big boost” ahead of their Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League opener with Stalbridge at Dorchester Rec tomorrow (1pm).

Top-order batsman Popli, 27, arrives from New Zealand side Northern Districts as the club’s overseas player, while Anderson, who has Worcester Premier League experience, also bolsters Dorchester’s batting.

The duo are set to make their debuts against Stalbridge, with Dunham expecting a “good test” from the north Dorset outfit.

He told Echosport: “Stalbridge are a good side. They’ve been in the Premier League for a long time now. It will be a good test for us.

“I don’t think there will be any easy game in the league this year, so we’ll take each game as it comes.”

He added: “It’s been a very good pre-season. We’re getting over 25 people each time to training and all of the lads are keen to get going.

“We’ve got two debutants and it’s a really big boost – it’s exciting for the club. I’m sure they’ll be just fine in this league.

“It definitely adds depth to the batting, which we’ve probably lacked over the last few years.”

Dorchester finished fourth in the standings last season after a promising start, and Dunham is aiming higher this term.

“We want to push on a bit from last year and be in the top three at least. The new signings and the balance of the side is a definite improvement on last year. We just pray for good weather!”

Dorchester’s team: Q Miller, Belt, Popli, Anderson, Mitchem, Peake, Dunham, Richardson, Roe, Walklett, Jenkins

Meanwhile, Dorchester Seconds visit Sherborne Seconds in County Division Three (1.30pm)