DORCHESTER all-rounder Dan Belt has been ruled out of Dorset’s must-win game against Wales at Dean Park tomorrow in the MCCA Knockout Trophy.

Belt played a major role in helping the county outfit overcome Cambridgeshire earlier this month alongside the in-form Matt Metcalfe but both men are unavailable this weekend, much to the disappointment of manager Sean Walbridge.

Belt took 3-39 against Cambridgeshire while Metcalfe produced a match-winning innings of 88 not out but Dorset will have to make do without the two all-rounders this time, in a game they have to win following the abandonment of their clash against Lincolnshire on May 17.

Walbridge, who has also recalled Chris Jones to the squad, said: “It is a shame that Dan and Matt are both unavailable. Matt is on holiday and Dan has working commitments and it is very disappointing as they play vital roles for us as all-rounders but we just have to get on with it.

“The pleasing thing is that we have the strength in depth to bring in two players of the quality of Martin Ford and Paul Warren, who I know can come in and do a great job for us.

“The other change in the side sees Chris Jones come back in for Nick Baker. Chris missed the last game due to exams but he has been in excellent form and we are hoping he will play a big part for us.”

Wales must also win tomorrow to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stages. They started their MCCA Knockout Trophy campaign with a victory over Cambridgeshire but since then have suffered defeat against Lincolnshire and a postponement against leaders Buckinghamshire.

Walbridge added: “Wales are always going to be a good Minor Counties side because they are linked to Glamorgan County Cricket Club.

“They tend to field a mixture of academy lads and second-team players so they are bound to be quite strong, and with them needing to win as well, it should be a very interesting spectacle.

“We need to win convincingly if we are to go above Buckinghamshire at the top of the table but even if we don’t we could still overtake Lincolnshire, depending on how they get on against Cambridgeshire.

“At the end of the day all we can do is just focus on trying to win the game and then see where that takes us.”

Dorset: Treagus, N Park, Jones, Williams, Sillence, C Park, Hicks, Watkins, Ford, Denham, Kidner, Warren.