GREENHILL duo Mike Chislett and Kevin Walbridge are among four new faces called up for Dorset's first Middleton Cup match of the season.

After being a reserve last summer Chislett is installed as a skip with Walbridge as his lead for what looks like a baptism of fire against Devon at Exonia on Saturday, June 7 (2pm).

The other debutants are Alexandra Park skip Steve Chalker and Wimborne teenager Chris Lawrence - younger brother of Middleton Cup regular Phil. The newcomer on the bench is Wessex teenager Carl Fountain, a member of Dorset's Liberty Trophy team last winter after moving to the county a year ago from Bedfordshire.

Wayne Garnett (Dorchester) and Dave Ralph (Greenhill) - both returning to the sport this season and with a wealth of Middleton Cup experience - begin their rebirth as skips having already been chosen for the county's Two Fours team travelling to Cornwall this weekend.

Another former cup regular back in the fold is Alec McKenzie of Poole Park who lines up at two for Chalker.

After two seasons without a victory Shepherd is eager to, at the very least, avoid the wooden spoon in his final campaign as boss following six years at the helm.

Dorset opened their 2007 fixtures being thrashed 133-88 (18-4) by Devon at Broadstone and they will be desperate to give a better account of themselves this time - though they will have to be at their very best to match one of the country's premier sides.

Shepherd said: "We have a good atmosphere and team spirit and we performed well in the preparation game against Hampshire - now we need to do ourselves justice against Devon.

"I am delighted that Dave Ralph and Wayne Garnett are back - they will add enthusiasm and experience to the side - and they are getting plenty of games at club level under their belts to sharpen them up for Exeter."

Balanced against that, however, is the absence of Dorchester skip Stacey Dickinson who is taking a break from bowls this summer.

On his own decision to quit Shepherd added: "It would be nice to go out with a taste of success. I have enjoyed every minute of my years as manager but now it is time for someone else to come in with different ideas, which won't do the county any harm at all.

"I will still be around to give any help to the new manager but I also want to concentrate on my own game because I think I still have something to offer as a player for a couple of seasons."

DORSET RINKS DORSET rinks to play Devon in the Middleton Cup at Exonia, Exeter, on Saturday, June 7 (2pm): Jamie Lockwood (Dorchester), Derek Ames (Alexandra Park), Doug Rumble, Barry Patterson (both Greenhill); Mick Durant (Greenhill), Pat Ravelin, Alan Miller, Peter Willats (all Alexandra Park); Chris Lawrence (Wimborne), Nick Voss, Martin Pavey, Wayne Garnett (all Dorchester); Paul Pomeroy (Lyme Regis), Alec McKenzie (Poole Park), Phil Lawrence (Wimborne), Steve Chalker (Alexandra Park); Ben Paulley (Greenhill), Tony Sargent (Wellworthy), Craig Shepherd (Wimborne), Dave Ralph (Greenhill); Kevin Walbridge (Greenhill), Chris Weekes (Wimborne), Kevin Hodder, Mike Chislett (both Greenhill).

Other squad members: Derick Gray, Ron McCarthy (both Greenhill), Carl Fountain (Wessex), Roy Farrant (Sherborne).