WEYMOUTH & Portland have pulled off a major coup by signing experienced duo Adam Makepeace and James Baker from Dorchester.

Coach Rich Bament has been hard at work attempting to sign the pair and has now considerably strengthened his squad ahead of a critical game against title rivals Oakmeadians on Saturday.

Makepeace was signed in time for Saturday to make his debut at flanker, donning the number six shirt in the Seahorses’ 64-0 win over Swanage & Wareham Seconds.

Fly-half Baker’s registration was completed on Saturday but league rules enforce a 48-hour cooling-off period before the player can become active.

READ MORE: Weymouth & Portland 64-0 Swanage & Wareham II - match report

With one point separating Weymouth & Portland from Oaks in the Counties Two Tribute Dorset & Wilts South table, the pair’s arrival comes at a crucial stage in the season.

Speaking to Echosport, Bament said: “They haven’t been playing regularly first-team (at Dorchester).

“I’ve had chats with them both and they’ve decided to come on board for the season going forward.

“The paperwork’s all gone through. It’s players wanting to come over to Weymouth to play rugby.

“Adam’s been to training and really enjoyed it and with James as well that’s a few more to add to the quota.

“Weymouth’s got a small playing squad so if any players do want to come, they’re always made to feel welcome.

“They’re a great bunch of guys, so the more the merrier.”

On the magnitude of attracting two big signings, Bament said: “We’ve had a chat this year, all the players at Weymouth, pre these coming, about what our aims are.

“We’ve had three good years. The players deserve to play at a better level. Since the re-jig of the leagues I wouldn’t say this is the strongest Dorset & Wiltshire league there’s been.

“I’d also say the league above (Southern South) is not the strongest it’s been. Some of the big names have now gone, the Devizes, Trowbridges and Fromes since the restructure.

“I think it possibly devalued the leagues. We’ve had compliments from teams and other people watching that we would do well in that league.

“We’re all amateurs and if anyone wants to go and play at a higher level they go with my blessing.

“But the guys at Weymouth deserve a chance and see what they can do. They’d give a real good account of themselves.

“It will be my task, then, to get them up to standard. A lot of them are there already. Bringing in reinforcements and extra players will just add to the depth of the squad.

“That can only be a good thing.”

Makepeace and Baker follow James Newsam and Louis Allan’s switch across from Dorchester this season.