UNBEATEN NSA Dorset Premier Division leaders Weymouth will be without Ben Lawes for their big clash with Stalbridge at The Park tomorrow, start 1.30pm.

The Minor Counties batsman misses the trip because he is studying for university exams and is replaced by debutant, Raj Lehal.

Lehal, who arrived at Redlands from Bedford in the winter, gets the nod following three consecutive half-centuries in the second eleven.

It's the first change the Seasiders have been forced to make this summer, but skipper Hugh Lawes is unperturbed.

He explained: "Ben has a series of exams at Cardiff University next week where he is studying for a sports science degree. Obviously that's the most important thing on his mind at the moment and so he's taking this weekend off to study.

"But in Raj Lehal we have a ready-made replacement and chances are he would have been in the side regardless of Ben's availability.

"When he joined us it was obvious he was a class act and his three innings in the second team this summer have only served to underline what I already knew. Raj hasn't been knocking on the first team door, he's been smashing it down with a sledge hammer."

Lehal, who moved south to work for the Dorset Youth Service, is expected to slot straight into Ben Lawes' number three berth, behind the Seasiders' free-scoring opening partnership of Simon Talbot and Dean Janaway.

"Simon and Dean have been in cracking form," said Lawes, "and so the likelihood is that Raj will take the number three spot tomorrow. At least, that's the plan, although we'll see how the pitch is when we get there."

Having comfortably seen off neighbours Portland Red Triangle by eight wickets last weekend, Weymouth can expect a much tougher test against a side who are many commentators' tip for the championship.

Stalbridge go into the game with a host of top names including county bowling stars Dan Britton and Steve Forshaw. And the North Dorset outfit are no slouches with the bat having racked up an awesome 314-6 during a crushing win over Hamworthy Recreation on Saturday.

Hugh Lawes added: "On paper it's a sterner test for us, but you never know. Obviously players like Dan Britton and Steve Forshaw are difficult customers, as are Jamie Dike and the Chant boys - Matt and Mark.

"But if we can contain their form players then that will be a big bonus and it's really all about who wants it most on the day."

He added: "Three wins from three games represents a terrific start for us and things are obviously going well. But there's a lot of hard work ahead and plenty of room for improvement and so we're taking nothing at all for granted."