WEYMOUTH v

DORCHESTER

WEYMOUTH skipper Dean Janaway is expecting to face a fully fit Dan Belt when his side collides with rivals Dorchester in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League at Redlands tomorrow (1.30pm).

Belt, who left the Seasiders for the county town side in the close season, has reportedly been struggling with a thigh injury but Janaway is refusing to risk being fooled by the news.

He said: "We cannot worry about them too much. Instead we have to concentrate on playing to the best of our abilities but there is no doubt that Dan is an excellent player and I am expecting him to be at 100 per cent.

"He is the best all-rounder in the county and that is why we were disappointed to lose him but we have been practising hard in training and everyone is well up for it."

Dorchester skipper Martyn Richards has not shed any further light on Belt's injury but has revealed that he won't risk the Dorset player unless he can prove his fitness.

He said: "We will assess Dan ahead of the game. He's desperate to play which is great but we don't want to risk missing him for future weeks."

Tomorrow's encounter will be the first time the two clubs have met for three years and although their intense rivalry has threatened to spill over on occasions, there is also a lot of mutual respect.

Janaway said: "I know a few of their players and they are a very strong side who will no doubt be up towards the top at the end of the season.

"But our lads are looking forward to it a lot. Everyone wants to do well and be a part of it, and although it is going to be a very difficult game we also know we are more than capable of winning it if we play to the standard we know we can."

Richards is just as wary of Weymouth's line up but also admits that his side have been waiting for this clash for a long time and are determined to come out victorious.

He said: "Since we were last relegated from the Premier League we have been looking to get back and contest the derby games, and there has been no greater build up to one for many years.

"Weymouth have got some fantastic players in the likes of Dean Janaway, Jim Ryall and Paul Payne while Dave Trotter continues to take lots of wickets, so they have got the guys who know what it takes to win games and the league. However, our lads are all champing at the bit and eager to lock horns with our rivals."

Both sides suffered demoralising defeats last Saturday. Weymouth fell to a two-wicket reverse at Blandford while Dorchester lost by 21 runs at Suttoners, and changes will be made to their line-ups.

The Seasiders, who are still waiting for the arrival of New Zealander Andrew Falloon, have recalled Michael Pearce and dropped Ben Doidge.

The decision will come as a huge blow to the former Portland star who scored 48 in the opening day victory over Wayfarers.

Janaway said: "We have called Michael back in because last week we were a bowler short and his experience is vital in big games like this.

"It is obviously disappointing for Ben because everyone wants to play but we have got to do it for the balance of the side.

"As for Andrew, the situation is still very much the same. He has been told his visa should come any day and he is doing all he can but it is beginning to turn into a bit of a farce. All we can do is continue to manage without him."

Richards will welcome back three men to his line up. He said: "A lot depends on Dan but Lee Haynes, Adam Iyer and Ian Sibley are all available to return so Alex Campbell, Joe Baggs and Lewis Stripp will drop to the seconds."