DORSET Middleton Cup team manager Mike Stapleton has selected a strong, well-balanced side for the opening game of the season against Warwickshire at Entaco Bowls Club, Studley on Saturday.

As expected he has chosen a blend of youth and experience, with no less than eight of this year’s Under-25 contingent included in the 32-strong squad.

For 13-year-old Dorchester schoolboy George Spracklen it is a reward for his rapid advance in the game. The teenager played against Wiltshire in his debut last season and became the youngest ever bowler to play in the Middleton Cup at 13 years and 15 days.

Spracklen – just a few weeks shy of his 14th birthday – will be under the experienced eye of Dorchester skip Adam Tidby and alongside fellow Under-25 regulars Ryan Stone (Wellworthy) and Nick Voss (Dorchester).

Another returning skip is Stacey Dickinson, who had already been named as team captain by Stapleton and will take charge of a youthful rink – Chris Lawrence of Poole Park, Jamie Lockwood and Martin Pavey (both Dorchester).

A quartet of Dorchester skips is completed by the inclusion of both Wayne Garnett and Eddie Young while Barry Patterson of Greenhill Bowling Club has Ken Hann of Blandford as his number three, and fellow Greenhill bowlers John Crabb and Dave Smith in support.

Chris Thorne of Bridport joins Pat Ravelin of Poole Park and another Greenhill duo – Steve Gait (skip) and Doug Rumble.

Greenhill supply four of the eight named reserves, Poole Park three and Wellworthy and Bridport one apiece.

Dorset have to go back nearly 20 years to the glory days under the late Ron Freeman, when the county reached the final at Worthing only to lose out to Yorkshire.

This year, Stapleton has dedicated the season as a tribute to Freeman, a former Greenhill and West Moors player, in the hope of inspiring his players – despite the fact only a few of them played in that 1990 final.

Dorset: George Spracklen (Dorchester), Ryan Stone (Wellworthy), Nick Voss, Adam Tidby (both Dorchester); John Crabb (Greenhill), Dave Smith (Greenhilll), Ken Hann (Blandford), Barry Patterson (Greenhill); Chris Lawrence (Poole Park), Jamie Lockwood, Martin Pavey, Stacey Dickinson (all Dorchester); Ben Paulley (Blandford), Steven Huttley (Dorchester), Bob Atkins (Poole Park), Wayne Garnett (Dorchester); Chris Thorne (Bridport), Pat Ravelin (Poole Park), Doug Rumble, Steve Gait (both Greenhill); Paul Pomeroy, Mike Preston (Lyme Regis), Peter Willats (Alexandra Park), Eddie Young (Dorchester).

Reserves: Kevin Hodder, Harry Hovenden, Ron McCarthy (all Greenhill), Phil Lawrence, Stuart Stephens, Chris Weekes (all Poole Park), Mike Gale (Bridport), Tony Sargent (Wellworthy).