NEW skipper Ollie Bennett insists Dorchester Seconds have the “winning mentality” that can catapult them to Dorset Funeral Plan Division One success.
The county town outfit, who kick-off their campaign against Beaminster at the Rec tomorrow (2pm), recovered from an indifferent start to be crowned Division Two champions last term.
Losing just three games, Dorchester peaked at the perfect moment to cement their place in the second tier of Dorset cricket.
And Bennett, who has taken over the captaincy from Nick Joslin, reckons those achievements will help his charges construct another fruitful campaign.
He said: “We want to do as well as we can and I believe we can match last year’s exploits.
“There is a crop of youngsters at the club who will be very good players and we’ve got Adam Rendell (all-rounder) and Lee Ames (batsman) back in the side.
“They are a great bunch of lads that are used to winning and hopefully that will help us along.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work to get us where we are so I’m looking for a good start.”
Beaminster skipper Ross Baker, whose side stayed afloat in Division One after creeping above Weymouth Sec-onds on the final day, is anticipating an exciting contest.
Baker said: “We have always had some good battles with Dorchester over the years and it’s always nice to play at the Rec.
“I’m not too sure what side they’ll put out but they are on a good run of form and I’m expecting a really good game.
“I think it’s one we can win and we’ve got a few players with a point to prove after last season.
“Our batting looks very strong with Freddie Everitt and Chris Bridges in the line-up so if we could win the toss and bat that may suit us.”
Dorchester Seconds: Bennett, Ames, Rendell, Voss, Peak, Pryce, Beasley, Joslin, Stripp, Roe, Clifford Beaminster: Runyard, Park, Everitt, Bugler, Jones, Bridges, Baker, Hawkins, Hillier, Herring, Hollely
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