Dorchester skipper Martyn Richards believes tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash with Parley will “separate the men from the boys”.

Richards’ charges travel to Dean Park (1.30pm) as Dorset Premier League leaders but the gap between them and second-placed Parley is so tight – 0.23 – that defeat in East Dorset would see the county town side lose their grip on top spot.

The captain therefore is demanding a first-class performance, especially with a trip to Poole Town, who currently lie third, scheduled for next weekend.

Richards, whose side enter the crunch fixture on the back of seven straight wins, said: “If we can win tomorrow then we would put distance between ourselves and Parley.

“The gap is not that big so it’s imperative we give ourselves the best possible chance by winning.

“We’ve got a huge fortnight coming up and by the end of it we will have a much better idea of how the season will go.

“The pressure is on everyone because we have all got to beat each other if we want to win the league. Our destiny is in our own hands, we just need to go out and do what is required.”

Dorchester suffered a four-wicket loss when the two teams last met in May.

Richards added: “We were a bit under-prepared the last time we played them as we had only played one game previously due to our first two matches being called off.

“We’ve been on a great run of form of late and we’re on a high, but we’re under no illusions as the game will be very different to the ones we have played recently.”

The table-toppers enjoyed a convincing win in last Saturday’s derby date with Weymouth and remain unchanged heading into tomorrow’s clash, much to the delight of Richards.

He said: “The side we had out last week was our best for some time and we are fortunate it’s unchanged for tomorrow. It’s all good having a strong team but people still need to perform when it matters. Tomorrow is a game that will separate the men from the boys and hopefully we’ll put in a good performance.”

Dorchester: Gerety, Moxom, Maslen, Haynes, Belt, Tweddle, Waite, Mead, Richards, Morley, Ellis.

* The county town seconds welcome Branksome to the Rec in Dorset League Division Two action (2pm) while the third team, eyeing promotion from Division Six, take on local rivals Weymouth Longshots at Charlton Down (2pm).