SEAN Fitzgerald admits he is “gutted” to be missing Weymouth’s trip to Broadstone tomorrow (1.30pm).

The Seasiders’ head coach has been unable to shake off a calf injury suffered in last weekend’s thrilling clash with Parley at Redlands.

The former Portland United goalkeeper pulled up in the field and was forced to bat at number 11 as Weymouth fell just nine runs short of a victory target of 265.

Had Fitzgerald been fit to occupy his usual berth at the top of the order, the hosts could well have recorded their third straight Dorset Premier League success.

Fitzgerald said: “I felt really bad about what happened. Leaving the field was awful because I didn’t want to let the side down. But captain David Trotter insisted and reminded me that my health was the priority and I guess, with hindsight, he was right.

“Fortunately a friend of the team’s, Neil Chapman, was watching and agreed to field in my absence and he did a great job saving runs in the field. But to miss a big game like tomorrow’s at Broadstone is so frustrating and I’m really gutted about it.”

On the plus side for Weymouth, Fitzgerald’s place goes to fellow top order batsman Andy Bray, who missed the Parley clash due to personal commitments.

Other changes see all-rounder Simon Browne (holiday) replaced by Firaz Ulhaq and Steve Budd come in for Dan Hutchens (injury).

Skipper Dave Trotter said: “It’s a good balanced team, and the return of Andy Bray certainly helps soften the blow of being without Fitz.

“Yes, we probably would have won against Parley if Fitz had been fit, but that’s just the way the cookie crumbles and he has nothing to feel guilty about.

“What he’s done since coming in as head coach has been magnificent and he has really got the boys buzzing and enjoying their cricket. He’s the kind of guy who notices things that others miss and already a couple of subtle changes Fitz has instigated to certain players’ techniques have worked well.

“Of course he, Simon and Dan will be missed at Broadstone but Andy, Firaz and Steve are quality players and so we go to the Delph in confident mood.”

The Seasiders’ hosts had been blazing a trail at the top of the table but they surprisingly came unstuck at Wayfarers last Saturday.

Trotter added: “Wayfarers are a decent side in their own right but you would have fancied Broadstone in that game. But the result just shows how tight this competition is and it gives hope to every team in the division.

“The Delph always offers a bit for the bowlers so I’m particularly confident going there with our attack. But whatever the conditions and whoever wins the toss, it should be another cracking game of cricket.”

Weymouth: Payne, Ryall, England, Janaway, Bray, Womble, Ulhaq, Whyte, Trotter, Budd, Nobbs.