DORSET manager Sean Walbridge is confident his side can challenge for both the One-Day and Minor Counties Championship titles this season.

Walbridge has been delighted with his side’s preparations during the winter months and has high hopes ahead of the new campaign.

He said: “We improved with every game last year and if that continues then we’ll be challenging for both the One-Day and Championship trophies.

“The squad has worked really hard during our winter sessions and they can’t wait to get the season underway.

“They know how ambitious Tom Hicks, Alan Willows, and myself are, and it’s been pleasing to see them buy into what we are aiming to achieve.”

Willows is also enthusiastic about the county’s chances this summer. He added: “This is a very exciting time for Dorset cricket as we are all confident we are heading in the right direction.

“Everyone involved is excited at the prospects ahead and realise we want to be at the cutting edge. The players are ambitious and want to win trophies this season and I believe we can achieve something special if we continue to work hard over these next few months.

“We are also looking forward to seeing our local supporters coming to watch our team this season. Dorset CCC is keen to see parents and children supporting the club as we want to involve all ages. We promise exciting cricket in 2009 and we want our spectators to enjoy the success with us.”

Hicks, who had an outstanding season in 2008, will continue to captain the side with Chris Park again providing much assistance as vice-captain.

Walbridge said: “All of the squad who played last season will be with the county again this season and that squad has been strengthened over the winter with some new and old faces.

“Former Gloucestershire and Worcestershire all-rounder Roger Sillence has come in and is a top class performer at this level and he will add quality to both our batting and bowling departments.

“There is also Aaron Williams who is a top-order batsman that has joined from Devon, and he will add competition to the batting line-up.

“A couple of old faces have also re-joined the squad, seamers Dave Kidner and Paul Warren. They are both excellent bowlers and we now have an embarrassment of riches in that area.

“To be competing at the top of the Minor Counties Championship you need a strong squad, and we have 22 players which means we have two players for every position. There are places up for grabs and it’s up to the guys to make sure they grab their opportunities with both hands when they come along.”

One change that Dorset CCC will have this summer is the name of its sponsor with Specialist Environ-mental Contractors having become part of the newly expanded Hearn Group of Dorchester.

Walbridge said: “While recent times have seen many firms scaling down and cutting back the Hearn Group is going from strength to strength. Their support has been superb over the last three years and its greatly appreciated by everyone at Dorset CCC.”

DORSET CCC FIXTURES 2009

APRIL

Sun 12 Somerset 2nds F (Taunton Deane)

Sun 19 HAMPSHIRE 2NDS F (Chapel Gate)

Sun 26 Buckinghamshire T (Gerrards Cross)

MAY

Sun 10 CAMBRIDGESHIRE T (Dean Park)

Sun 17 Lincolnshire T (Bracebridge Heath)

Sun 31 WALES T (Dean Park)

JUNE

Sun 7-9 Oxfordshire C (Chipping Norton)

Sun 14 MCCA Trophy quarter-final Sun 21-23 Devon C (Torquay)

JULY

Sun 5-7 BERKSHIRE C (Dean Park)

Sun 19 MCCA Trophy semi-final

Wed 22 MCCA Trophy final (Chester-le-Street)

Sun 26-28 Cheshire C (Alderley Edge)

AUGUST

Sun 9-11 SHROPSHIRE C (Dean Park)

Sun 23-25 WILTSHIRE C (Dean Park)

SEPTEMBER

Sun 6-9 Championship Final (four days)

Key: C – Championship, Western Division (three days); T – MCCA Trophy (one-day); F – Friendly (one day).