DORCHESTER believe now is a good time to play champions Poole Town in their mouth-watering Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League clash tomorrow (1pm).
Last season, Poole ended Dorchester’s three-year reign at the top of Dorset’s elite tier.
But with this fixture coming in just the second week of the new campaign, Dorchester captain Jon Legg feels the stars have aligned to play Poole, particularly at Dorchester Rec.
He told Echosport: “I think it’s a good time to play them. They had a good result last week, as did we, but nothing really changes for us.
READ MORE: Dorchester beat Christchurch by 161 runs
“We know what we have to do. It’s good to be back playing at the Rec, we’d like to continue our good home record going from previous seasons.”
Dorchester name two changes to the side that beat Christchurch last weekend, with Kiwi overseas player Harry Jones and James Dunham replacing Eral Anderson and Gautham Rajendar.
Dorchester Seconds and Thirds visit Kingston Lacy and Marnhull Thirds respectively in County Divisions Three and Six tomorrow (both 1pm).
Dorchester: Ryall, Legg, Narasimhan, Mitchem, Jones, Belt, Barrett, King, Nobbs, Dunham, Subramanian.
Elsewhere, Martinstown are targeting their first victory in the Premier League for 2023 as they host Christchurch at Lower Ashton Farm tomorrow (1pm).
Charlie Durant’s men were humbled by 166 runs at Poole last weekend but the Town skipper is confident of a positive outcome this week, despite an ominous weather forecast.
He said: “I really want to play, I said to the boys that (Poole) was almost like a pre-season friendly and we can start the season this weekend, but the forecast doesn’t look promising.
“We love playing at Ashton. It’s a small ground, you can use it to your benefit and Christchurch, we’ve had a good record at home against them over the years.”
Lee House and Matt Rimmer miss out with Ed Nichols coming in and either Ry Gerety or Will Maltby (broken finger) returning.
Martinstown Seconds visit Witchampton Seconds in Division Four tomorrow.
Martinstown (from): S Gerety, S Williams, Nichols, W Maltby, Lewis, F Williams, R Gerety, Kane, Hill, Coombs, Durant, Trotter.
Bere Regis are also looking to bounce back after losing their opening Premier clash at Broadstone.
Brian Keegan’s charges host Wimborne, who have signed Ranuk Jayasuriya, son of Sri Lanka legend Sanath, for 2023.
Keegan said: “They certainly have strengthened, Jayasuriya’s son’s playing for them. They were strong last year and they’ve got stronger again.
“They thumped Sherborne without their captain Ben Bridgen. It isn’t going to be easy, even being at home.
“We’ve got to put right a few things, try and compete and see where it takes us.”
Bere hand a debut to new signing Theo Talbot, with Jacob Kennard also coming in. Dean Rogerson and Tom Munnings miss out.
Bere Regis Seconds visit Poole Town Thirds in Division Three tomorrow.
Bere: Russell, Rich Cole, Talbot, S Goodhew, Robertson, T Goodhew, Murphy, Payne, Kennard, Walbridge, Keegan.
Main sponsor: Booth Gadenne
Match ball sponsor: Dorset Reclamation
Meanwhile, Puddletown are searching for their first win of the Division One season, following a 49-run loss at Stalbridge.
Ryan Norman’s side visit Division Two champions Beaminster tomorrow, but face a selection headache with five senior players out.
Norman said: “They’re a decent side, they’ve got seasoned players like Ross Baker and Simon Jones and have got some good youngsters.
“I don’t think there’s going to be a bad side at all this year.”
He added: “Chris Eastment is not here and I’m missing Chris Clarke, Adam Barrett, Adam Weir and Steve Chaldecott.”
Puddletown will make a late call on their line-up, but their second team host Winton Seconds in Division Five tomorrow.
Division One rivals Portland Red Triangle have the luxury of targeting back-to-back wins after a comprehensive six-wicket success at Hamworthy last week.
Matt Randell’s troops host Swanage at Reforne tomorrow, looking to avenge last season’s five-wicket loss at home.
“We want to make sure we win all of our home games,” Randell insisted.
“Portland’s a strange place to come and play, so we’ll target the short boundaries and the outfield will be quite quick.
“We’ll look to get runs on the board and if the opportunity presents itself to take wickets, we’ll take it.”
Portland are without Simon Proffitt, Jon Cameron his replacement.
Triangle’s seconds visit Wimborne Fourths in Division Five tomorrow.
Triangle: Laws, Price, Randell, M Barrett, D Adkins, Samuel, Cameron, Edwards, J Marsh, Potts, Moles.
Lastly, Weymouth are still waiting to play their first fixture of the Division Two season after their match at Shaftesbury was called off 24 hours before the start due to a waterlogged square.
The Seasiders host Corfe Mullen at Redlands tomorrow, the two sides enjoying a healthy rivalry after sharing heavy victories last season before Weymouth beat Corfe in the T20 Trophy final.
Weymouth skipper Lloyd Beals said: “Not a great start to the season as we’re already playing catch-up, but focus turns to Saturday and how we approach the game.
“They look strong this year so it’ll be a good test. They embarrassed us at their place and we beat them fairly comfortably at ours.
“In regard to the rivalry, everyone is our rivals, we’re not here to make friends.”
Weymouth bring in Kieron Womble, Neil Walton, Laurence Tonkin and Cube Whyte for Connor Wills, Jack Sapsworth, Adam Hoyes and Tim Guyett.
Weymouth Seconds visit Wareham in Division Five tomorrow.
Weymouth: England, Beals, B Lawes, Walton, Webb, Tarry, Womble, Whyte, Tonkin, Mitchell, Urumancheri.
Matchday sponsor: Active Mobility
Player sponsor: Advoco Accountants
Ground renovation sponsor: GRBS
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