Puddletown will look to continue their positive start to the season when they cross the Ridgeway to face off against Weymouth - in what is the only senior rugby fixture in Dorset this Saturday.

Weymouth have opened their season with two dominant victories, including an opening day win against Bridport, followed by a convincing victory over North Dorset's second team.

Following two weekends off, the Seahorses find themselves in second place in Counties Two on 10 points, a bonus point victory behind Puddletown, who sit first with 15 points having played a game more.

Puddle coach Jacob Holt will be absent as he travels to Belfast to play for Scotland Students Rugby League against Ireland in the Four Nations competition.

Entering into the side to make a Puddle debut is Eli Honner, a young lad from Wagga in New South Wales, Australia.

In addition to playing at home in Australia he has won the state championship in Montana whilst playing for the Missoula All-Maggots Rugby Club.

With coach Holt on his travels deputising for him will be chairman Tom Nixon who led the team to promotion last season, reprising his role he has taken stock ahead of Saturday.

He said: “With Holty on international duty, the reins fell to me to steer the ship. With the squad we’ve built and the dedication they’ve shown it’s an easy job managing them as they all know their roles and system.

“The hard part is coming up against Weymouth who we know will bring great physicality, intensity and experience.

"It will be a real test for the lads and we always love a good tussle against our friends over the ridgeway. I can’t wait to add another chapter to our recent great rivalry”

Having returned to the squad last match following injury, hooker Rhys Jenner looks to inflict the same result Puddle did in 2022 at Monmouth Avenue.

He said: “We have had a very positive start, every game has brought its individual battles.

"In our opening games the team has shown some incredible spirit and character and this is what we will need against a well oiled team such as Weymouth.

"We did it back in 2022 and with the squad we have now there is no reason we can do it again on Saturday, however it won’t be easy."

Ahead of the game at Monmouth Avenue, there will be a minute's silence in remembrance of former Puddletown First XV captain Pete Talbot.

Pete captained Puddletown between 1988 & 1990 and also spent some time successfully playing for Bournemouth RFC.

He will be remembered as a physical force on the pitch and most importantly by those who played with him as an inspirational leader.

The game at Monmouth Avenue kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, October 5.