Dorchester are looking to turn Surcourf Park into 'a fortress' as they kick off their Counties One Tribute Southern South campaign today ( September 7).

After finishing 8th last season, Dorchester are aiming to 'cement' their place in the league and continue to improve, captain Brad Mullins has said. 

The team has had a good pre-season having won twice in friendlies ahead of the season opener with Melksham.

Speaking to Echosport, Mullins said: "We have had a good strong number of players at training two good warm up matches, with wins in both.

"It has been a good pre-season.

"We are looking to cement ourselves in the league and get a few more wins in and finish higher in the league.

"We have said this year that we don't want to look to far ahead, but we want to win more games at home at make our home ground a fortress.

He added: "If we improve our performances results will come.

"I think we have got a good mix of youth and experience and with last season under our belt it is only a positive for this year."

There have been a few ins and outs over the summer for Dorchester as well, with centres Jack Adams and Jamie Morgan leaving.

Adams has gone to play abroad in Canada whilst Morgan has retired, and although Mullins admits it's 'a blow' for the side, he said the team has 'plenty of cover' to handle it.

The squad has been bolstered as well with the additions of number eight Ed Martin who has moved from Puddletown and a new back, Oscar Saunders, has also joined the squad.

Second row Marcus Seaton has also joined the team, however, the former Swanage & Wareham forward sprained an ankle last week and will be sidelined for the visit of Melksham.

Dorchester's Cohen Emery will miss the season opener with MelkshamDorchester's Cohen Emery will miss the season opener with Melksham (Image: Tim Beavis)

Mullins said that in 'typical fashion' there are a few players unavailable for today's game, but the most notable absentee will be number 10 Cohen Emery.

Mullins added: "We do have a few players missing, but we have a bit of experience to come in.

"Jamie Johnson is on the bench as a forward replacement and Rob Parker is starting at number 10 and both players will add experience to the squad.

Today's opposition will also prove to be a tough test for Dorchester having won promotion from Counties Two Tribute Dorset & Wilts last year. 

The Wilshire-based club won all 14 of their games as they romped to the title and promotion.

Speaking on today's opponents, Mullins added: "We are expecting it to be tough, they went the whole of last season unbeaten and we are expecting a hard game.

"They have recruited well over the summer and had a good pre-season so it won't be easy."