ANDY Bray makes his seasonal bow tomorrow when Weymouth entertain Bland-ford at Redlands (1.30pm start).
The former Somerset star missed last weekend’s trip to Poole where the Seasiders suffered a 65-run reversal on the opening day of the Dorset Premier League campaign.
Bray comes in for bowler Matt Lawes who will instead be on duty for the seconds against Blandford Seconds at the Recreation Ground.
“Unfortunately Andy was at a wedding last Saturday,” explained captain David Trotter, “but having him in for this one is a big plus although Matt stepping down is in no way a reflection on his ability.
“By his own admission, Matt is short of bowling practise at the moment and so a decent run out in the seconds will do him the world of good.”
Medium pacer Trotter again misses out with a knee ligament injury although he admits he was tempted to play following a trouble free Evening League appearance on Wednesday night.
The skipper explained: “I had a scan last week and I’m just awaiting the results. However, I had a light net on Tuesday and then came through an Evening League game okay, albeit bowling off a much reduced run up.
“Bottom line is that I’m not 100 per cent fit and, with competition for places fierce, there’s no way I could justify my own selection.”
Another key player on the absent list tomorrow is top order batsman Paul Payne.
The ex-Terras goalkeeper continues to recover from a winter-long shoulder injury and will again line-up for John Ryan’s second string.
Trotter added: “The temptation was to throw Payner straight in because undoubtedly he’s one of the league’s best batsman and probably its best fielder.
“But again, we just felt a game in the second team would do him more good at the moment but it’s not going to be long before he’s back playing Premier League cricket.
The visit of Blandford will provide a stern test for the Seasiders although the North Dorset side will be without their most consistent performer over recent years in batsman Nick Baker, who has stepped up to try his luck in the Southern League.
Seasiders: Ryall, Janaway, Fitzgerald, Bray, Mote, England, Ulhaq, Fulton, Whyte, Nobbs, Hutchens. Meet Redlands noon.
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