Puddletown will take to the field for the first time in four weeks when they travel east to face off against last season's table toppers Lytchett, writes Gruff James.

Since their last outing, America elected a new president, Spain flooded and Puddle’s nearest title rivals all went unbeaten pushing the Villagers down to third, leaving the top four separated by just two points.

Lytchett find themselves in sixth heading into this fixture, their start to the season has been far cry from the dizzying heights of 2023/24. A play-off defeat in April had them deprived of promotion despite finishing top and winning all but one fixture.

Following that day in April, change has come about at Lytchett.

Star half-back and captain Jamie O’Shea made the move to Wimborne to challenge himself at two levels higher, leaving Lytchett in somewhat of an unexpected rebuild following one of the club's best ever seasons.

A stark reminder how quickly things can change in amateur sport.

Lytchett coach Simon Keen has reviewed their first eight games: “We’ve had a stop, start season so far. Some good performances sandwiched between games where we’ve lacked concentration.

“With a long injury list, we are starting to get players back onto the pitch and look forward to a strong second half of the season.

“What better way to get that going than against a Puddletown team who are performing really well this year.”

For Puddletown, the Villagers are back after a four week absence.

During this their nearest rivals Wimborne, Weymouth & Oakmeadians all went unbeaten leaving the top four of the division separated by two points with all teams having played six games.

Last time out for the Piddle Valley side, it was a victory against basement side North Dorset and the Villagers will be looking to continue in that style.

Despite the four weeks off,Puddle travel east with rather depleted resources.

Captain Tom Yeatman is unavailable and will be until December and there is an unavailability crisis in the front row with Cal Williams, Jon Lewis and Dylan Trevor all missing - leading to the potential for Jordan Horncastle to earn his first start in the Puddle kit.

Coach Jacob Holt reflects on the last month and looks ahead to Saturday: “We’ve had a month off which has been tricky to navigate honestly.

"I can’t fathom why the powers that be would do that and then again in February. Considering cup runs and the like.

“Momentum on pause, our club caretaker Gary Moorcroft has been cooking up a storm for the lads after training.

“Availability once again is our worst ability and the selection for Saturday will reflect this. We are glad to be back playing and get out there with our mates.

“Dusty cobwebs and our chairman over-riding selection and inserting himself at flyhalf is the order of Saturday”

The game at Lytchett Minster kicks off at 2.30pm On Saturday, November 16.