MARTINSTOWN captain Sam Kershaw does not expect a “walkover” against Christchurch in Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League action tomorrow (1pm).
Kershaw’s men complete the first half of their season at Lower Ashton Farm and could close the gap to leaders Dorchester to 15 points with a maximum-point win.
However, Kershaw respects a youthful but highly talented Christchurch, who gave reigning champions Dorchester a scare last weekend.
Christchurch have taken just one win from seven games this season, lying second-bottom.
He told Echosport: “I think where they are in the league is a bit of a shock to us all because they’re such a good young team and always play really positively.
“You see where they are and it’s a bit false. We’re not expecting a walkover. They gave Dorch a very good game last week.
READ MORE: Strengthened Martinstown Seconds beat Charlton Down
“They’ll take a lot of confidence from that and they steamrollered us (in 2019) so we want to right a few wrongs for that one.”
Martinstown: Kershaw, Gerety, W Maltby, S Williams, White, Hill, Ja Stewart, Je Stewart, C Andrews, Durant, Trotter.
Dorchester have a bye weekend but return to action at home to Wimborne on Saturday, July 3 (1pm).
Dorchester Seconds visit Poole Town Seconds in County Division Two tomorrow (1.30pm), with skipper Rob Nobbs sitting this week out. First-team wicketkeeper Nick Roe is expected to take the reins.
Also in Division Two, Cerne Valley host Shillingstone tomorrow (1.30pm)
Martinstown Seconds visit Sturminster & Hinton in County Division Three tomorrow (1.30pm).
Nearby in the Premier League, in-form Bere Regis are vying for their fourth victory in five games when they host Poole Town tomorrow (1pm).
Bere have beaten Broadstone, Dorchester and Christchurch during that time.
Skipper Brian Keegan said: “Whichever way you look at it, Poole and Dorchester are the two most consistent sides in this league.
“Yes, we had a result against Dorchester but that means nothing when it comes to Saturday.
“We’ve got to refocus, do the basics and make sure our fielding and catching is up to scratch.
“From there, try and impose our game on Poole. That won’t be easy.”
Paceman Crispin Brown (unavailable) is replaced by Tom Munnings.
Bere: M King, Rich Cole, Murphy, S Goodhew, T Goodhew, Robertson, Payne, Munnings, Pegg, Keegan, Walbridge.
Bere main sponsor: Booth Gadenne
*Cattistock & Symene host Broadstone tomorrow (1pm) searching for their first Premier League win of the season.
In County Division One, clear leaders Puddletown travel to fellow promoted side Witchampton tomorrow (1.30pm).
Puddletown suffered a 58-run defeat in 2019 when the sides last met and captain Adam Barrett is expecting another tough fixture this time around.
He said: “When we last played them at their place we took a bit of a hammering.
“They’re a strong team with lots of quality, so we need to be on form and play to a really high standard.
“Harrison Bowles is the standout bowler. For my money he’s one of the best in the league, so we’re going to have to bat well against him at the start of our innings.”
Puddletown will make a late call on team selection.
Puddletown Seconds visit Blandford Seconds in County Division Five North & West tomorrow (1.30pm).
Elsewhere, Weymouth are seeking to close the gap to Puddle by recording their fourth straight victory.
The Seasiders have beaten Swanage, Witchampton and Compton House in consecutive weeks and travel to struggling Marnhull tomorrow (1.30pm).
Going into the County Division One clash, skipper Harry Mitchell is looking for an improved display in the field.
He said: “With the ball especially it needs to be a big improvement. We were definitely off the pace so we need to be a bit more clinical.
“Put it in better areas for longer periods and stay patient. We maybe went searching for the wicket ball too much on Saturday.”
Following this game, Weymouth play rivals Portland and Puddletown back-to-back.
Mitchell added: “The next four weeks are going to define our season.”
Weymouth Seconds visit Cattistock & Symene Thirds in County Division Five North & West tomorrow (1.30pm).
Weymouth: Wilson, England, Webb, Walton, Mitchell, Beals, Urumancheri, J Sapsworth, Rampal, Puckett, AN Other.
Weymouth match ball sponsors: Advoco Accountants
Meanwhile, Portland Red Triangle are gunning for their fourth victory of the season at old adversaries Compton House.
The two sides rose from Division Two together and have had some close battles over the years.
Portland skipper Matt Randell believes the contest tomorrow (1.30pm) will be hard fought, despite House failing to win a game this season.
He said: “We’ve always seen Compton House as being one of our biggest tests.
“I don’t know what’s happened to them this season. It looks like they’ve lost a couple of players.
“We certainly go into it with confidence after winning on Saturday. Hopefully we’ll carry on our run and focus on our own game.
“It’s always been competitive and we’ve had some real memorable games. We get on well with them.”
Portland have a selection headache with Tim Forshaw, George Munro, Joe Adkins, Rich Samuel and Jon Cameron all unavailable.
Portland’s second team host Wimborne Thirds in County Division Four tomorrow (1.30pm).
*Elsewhere, Charlton Down and Abbotsbury entertain Cranborne and Kingston Lacy respectively in County Division Three tomorrow (both 1.30pm).
Abbotsbury: Drew, Harrow, Kneebone, Brian, Duerdoth, Worsdell, S Pittman, Testa-Fisher, F Pittman, Nikale, Alam.
CONTACT ME:
t: 01305 830999
e: neil.walton
@dorsetecho.co.uk
twitter: @EchoSportNeil
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel