MATT Lawes returns to Weymouth’s line-up as they look to build on last Saturday’s dramatic last-ball victory at struggling Marnhull tomorrow (1.30pm).

Thanks to a heroic dive by Laurie ‘Cube’ Whyte, the Seasiders beat Ferndown Wayfarers by one run six days ago and skipper Paul Payne is hoping his men continue to show the same attitude and character through to the end of the campaign.

He said: “After last week’s good performance the aim is to continue it on.

“All season we have performed one week and then not the next, and because of that we have struggled in terms of momentum.

“Now we have a chance to put a run together and finish the season on a high, but just because Marnhull are bottom it does not mean it will be easy.

“They lost just one game when they won Division One last year and although the step up to the Premier Division is a big one, that still tells me that they have a lot about them and we will need to be at our best to beat them.

“You see, we are a team. We do not rely on one or two individuals and in-order for us to perform we need everyone on their game.

“That has not happened on enough occasions this season and the reason for that is something we haven’t managed to put our finger on.

“The atmosphere in the squad is fantastic and the confidence has always been there but it hasn’t always clicked.

“However, hopefully last Saturday’s victory will now prove a bit of a turning point for us and we can go on and complete the summer with some good performances.”

Of Lawes’ return, Payne added: “Matt has been away the last two weeks watching the Tour de France and it is great to have him back as he has been playing some good cricket this year. Dave Trotter is the unlucky one who drops down to the seconds.”

The victory over Ferndown lifted Weymouth clear of the bottom three in the Dorset Premier League and victory over Marnhull would all but guarantee their top-flight status.

On May 29, the Seasiders inflicted a nine-wicket defeat on the basement boys at Redlands but with Marnhull struggling for their lives, an intriguing contest is in prospect.

Weymouth: Payne, Ryall, Armfield, Fitzgerald, Janaway, McKay, Falloon, Doidge, Whyte, M Lawes, Hutchens.

* The second team host local rivals Beaminster in Dorset League Division One.

* Weymouth Thirds will look to stretch their lead at the top of Division Five tomorrow (2pm) when they travel to third-placed Sherborne Seconds.

The Seasiders have won 10 out of their 11 games so far this summer while their opponents go into the contest having suffered successive defeats against Winton Sports Seconds and Henstridge.