Dorchester travel to Stalbridge tomorrow, tasked with maintaining their spot in the Dorset Premier League’s top three (1.30pm).

The county town side are all but out of the title race following back-to-back defeats against rivals Par-ley and Poole Town.

However, last week’s three-wicket win at Wimborne & Colehill ensured they remain in third – 0.60 clear of fourth-placed Stalbridge – with three games still to play.

Captain Martyn Richards said: “We made hard work of it last week but we got the 20 points and it was a good confidence boost to get back to winning ways.

“We also had some good individual batting performances from Steve Gerety (52) and Lee Haynes (74no) which was pleasing, especially after being bowled out for 61 against Poole the previous week.

“Hopefully we’ll have a more solid all-round batting display this week as Stalbridge are a good bowling side.

“They have got some great individuals and this year their batting has been much better. We’re expecting a tough game as Stalbridge is never an easy place to go.

“Hopefully the weather is kind to us and we can have a good game of cricket.”

The skipper added: “The pressure is no longer on us but ideally we would like to finish as high as possible. We’ve got the chance to give the younger players more of a game and focus on enjoying our cricket because sometimes you can get a bit lost when trying to win every week.

“Obviously we want to win tomorrow but we want to do it in the right way.”

Dorchester make one enforced change to last week’s winning side with the unavailable Rob Waite being replaced by Xenon Ellis, who missed the victory over Wimborne due to work commitments.

Richards said: “Rob’s unavailable so Xenon is back in the team. Rob has been bowling terrifically for us this season but while it’s a blow to lose someone of his quality it’s great to welcome Xenon back into the team and we’ve still got a strong bowling side.”

Dorchester: Gerety, Moxom, Haynes, Belt, Tweddle, Richards, Legge, Legg, Power, Ellis, Mead.

* Dorchester Seconds entertain promotion-chasing Bere Regis tomorrow (2pm).

Ian Sibley’s charges lie mid-table in Dorset League Divi-sion Two but have yet to secure their third-tier status for another season.

* The third team meanwhile, continue their bid for a third successive promotion when they visit Blandford Thirds in Dorset League Division Six (2pm).