DORCHESTER will open their Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League campaign at Christchurch, after fixtures for the upcoming 2023 season were released by the Dorset Cricket League.

Jon Legg will lead Dorchester, who finished third last season, in his first game as captain at Hurn Bridge on Saturday, April 29.

Dorchester host champions Poole in their second match, and then entertain rivals Martinstown one week later.

Another derby follows in their fourth week, at Bere Regis, in a tough opening month of fixtures.

Dorchester finish the first half of the season at home to Sherborne, ending their season away to the same opponents on Saturday, August 26.

READ MORE: Jon Legg to captain Dorchester in 2023

Bere Regis, fourth in 2022, open their campaign at Broadstone and travel to rivals Martinstown in the fifth week.

Brian Keegan’s men then finish their season at Poole Park.

Martinstown will look to improve on their seventh place in 2022, beginning with a testing trip to Poole.

Charlie Durant’s side finish their season at Cattistock & Symene, who host promoted side Blandford on the opening day.

In County Division One, Portland Red Triangle visit Hamworthy Rec in week one, while relegated side Puddletown start at Stalbridge.

Division Two champions Beaminster host Poole Town Seconds and fellow promoted side Chalke Valley visit Witchampton, who were pipped to the Division One title by Blandford.

Portland and Beaminster meet at Reforne on Saturday, June 10, before Puddletown visit Portland two weeks later.

The two teams round off their season in the reverse fixture at Plush, while Beaminster conclude their campaign at Wimborne Seconds.

In Division Two, Weymouth’s bid for promotion begins at Shaftesbury and Charlton Down travel to Sturminster & Hinton.

Weymouth host Charlton Down for a derby on Saturday, June 10 and the Seasiders round off their season at Cerne Valley, who open at Parley Seconds.

In Division Three, Abbotsbury host Winton on the opening day before concluding at Broadstone Seconds.

There is a further shake-up lower down the divisions, with Colehill coming into County Division Six after a fundraising campaign to keep cricket at their home ground went viral this winter.

New teams in Division Seven include Rolex, a side using council pitches in Bournemouth, plus second teams for Sturminster & Hinton, Royal Challengers, Compton House and Chalke Valley.

Blandford have created a third team but Beaminster Seconds will not continue in the Saturday League.