AFTER a weekend off, Dorchester head back into Counties One Tribute Southern South action tomorrow, travelling to table-topping North Dorset.
Given the last time they met at Surcouf Park in November, the county town side ran in 21 points in the second half coming within a whisker of picking up a victory with a strong comeback.
Had the side played to their ability in the first half, it could well have been a memorable win instead of a 26-21 defeat.
Sitting eighth in the table, Dorchester have nothing to lose and need not have any fear for the game as they can take much confidence with the comprehensive win last time out against Combe Down.
READ MORE: Dorchester 61-3 Combe Down - report
Director of rugby Martin Oxland will need to make some late calls on injuries, along with availability.
However, he has two more young players coming in to the squad and starting the game.
Under-20s Dorset & Wilts player and current Dorchester Colt, Sammy Lambourn, along with Bath Academy and Under-18 Premiership champion Henry Bartlett, both make first-team debuts.
Jack Hayward and Cohen Emery continue their half-back partnership, regular prop Tom Louch is out meaning the experienced Dave Cottell will again be in the squad.
Steve Tucker will lead the strongest team available and will be aware that some of his youthful squad will not have faced North Dorset at home previously in senior rugby.
Oxland is happy to give opportunities to those young players in the squad to stake a claim for the last three matches of the season and become regulars next season.
With two more leagues games after this weekend, Dorchester are looking to finish strongly, and consolidate their mid table spot before they head into the knockout cup competitions.
Elsewhere, Weymouth & Portland visit fellow strugglers Yeovil, while in the division below Bridport travel to Oakmeadians.
Excitingly for Dorchester fans, former player Harri O'Connor is in the matchday squad for Wales against Italy in the Six Nations tomorrow and could earn his first full cap.
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