IT'S all change for Dorchester's NSA Dorset Premier Division side at Stalbridge tomorrow - but last week's shock opening day defeat at the hands of newly-promoted Portland Red Triangle has nothing to do with the four changes.
Wicketkeeper Brian Keegan, batsmen Simon Joslin and Colin Edney and all-rounder Dave Trotter are all missing from the side that crashed by two wickets after openers Ian Sibley and Sean Walbridge had put on 154 for the first wicket.
"After last week we were looking to keep much the same side and let people go out and redeem themselves following a very disappointing performance," said vice-captain Sean Walbridge.
"But as often seems to happen there are quite a few players unavailable for one reason or another. Brian is off to a wedding, Dave is studying for exams and Simon and Colin have to work until one o'clock and won't be able to get there in time.
"However we are quite happy with the replacements we have brought in and while Stalbridge are a strong side who finished runners-up last season, we are confident we can get a result."
Keegan's place behind the stumps goes to former regular first team gloveman Paul Bassindale whose ability to get quick runs in mid-order could also come in useful.
"Paul had a good knock on our Guernsey tour and has looked in good form in the nets," said Walbridge.
Dorchester have also stiffened their middle order, which collapsed against Triangle, by giving a Premier Division debut to Pete Young, the former Redlands batsman who helped himself to 70 runs for the Casuals Sunday side in their win over Shaftesbury at the weekend.
Another player making his senior debut is Matt Joseph, who will be well known to followers of the town's senior rugby side. The all-rounder has joined the cricket club for the first time this season and gets an immediate promotion after a good spell of medium pace bowling for the Seconds at Sherborne last week.
Former Second team captain Pete Tucker celebrates his 40th birthday with a first team call-up as Dorchester learn the lesson that after the introduction of the new league rules it is preferable to have six bowlers.
"That is what we have gone for this week," said Walbridge. "But the other thing we learned from last week is that we need to bowl straighter, because the wide rule is a lot stricter, and sharpen up our fielding which was poor."
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