BRIDPORT are relishing the chance to knock league leaders Ferndown off their perch in Dorset Funeral Plan Division Two tomorrow (2pm).

Skipper Chris Backhouse has presided over two victories and two defeats thus far and will be hoping his side can become more consistent, starting with tomorrow's trip to the East Dorset club.

Ferndown top the standings by a significant margin at this early stage and are unbeaten with four wins, each of which has been comfortable.

Having disposed of second place Hamworthy Recreation by 81 runs last weekend, tomorrow's hosts have established themselves as one of the favourites for promotion, but it would be churlish of them to dismiss the capabilities of a Bridport side that is growing in confidence.

Last Saturday's victory over Winton Sports illustrated young seamer Ashley Nicholls' undoubted potential, as he returned figures of 4-27 and smashed a vital 30 when it appeared Bridport would struggle to set an imposing target. Former Dorset star Sean Fitzgerald weighed in with 46 and keeper Freddie Everitt again showed he is in pristine touch with the willow, but he will be hoping to convert one of his starts into a telling contribution.

With the ball, the ever-reliable Dave Herbert took two wickets as did James Windebank, who made his season debut.

A triumph at Ferndown would be a colossal fillip for Backhouse's players, who are also focused on mounting a promotion campaign of their own after least year's relegation.