DORCHESTER captain James Dunham believes the time is right to step down from his role at the end of the current season and added: “I’ve loved every second of it.”

Dunham has led Dorchester to successive Dorset Premier League titles and the county town are in the hunt for a hat-trick with two games of the 2021 campaign to go.

The left-arm seamer will continue to play for Dorchester in 2022 and beyond.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dunham is immensely proud to have been a big part of the club’s success in Dorset’s top tier.

He told Echosport: “It’s the right time to pass it on to someone else and I’ve loved every second of it.

“Not just Saturdays and the success we’ve had but if I reflect on where we are now to where we were four or five years ago, I’m quite proud of that.

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“Obviously, winning trophies and being successful helps with that but just seeing where the club is now and everything around it, I’ve loved it. Really enjoyed doing it.

“We’ve got a good foundation now and it does take a lot of time to be successful.

“Whoever (takes over) is going to have full backing. We’ve got a few candidates that I think are ready to step up, so I see it as exciting times.

“It’s just a time for fresh ideas and a fresh face, really.”

Dunham has already played his last game as captain – a 10-wicket win over Cattistock & Symene last time out.

This week, Dan Belt stands in with Dunham unavailable to skipper against Christchurch – a fixture Dorchy realistically require the full 20 points from in order to pressurise Poole, who hold a game in hand.

On Dunham’s captaincy, Belt said: “He’s done so much on and off the pitch for the team, the club.

“He’s got us going places. It’s his fourth season and he’s got two trophies so far. It would be nice to sign off with a third.

“Unfortunately he’s not about this Saturday but we’ll try and do him proud, get the points and try and put pressure on Poole to go out there and get the 30 points they need to see them home.”