Dorchester hope to put Saturday’s rain-off behind them by enjoying a successful cricket week.

The county town side were due to visit Stalbridge at the weekend but heavy overnight rain put paid to that trip.

Martyn Richards’ team will not have too long to wait for their next outing though, as they take on three opponents in this week’s annual festival.

Reflecting on Saturday’s cancellation, the first-team skipper said: “It was called off at about 10.30am. They’d had the rain that we had in Dorchester and although it did stop, their whole outfield and the surrounding wickets were completely saturated, so there was no chance of any play unfortunately.

“It’s a shame because the likes of Nick Roe and Joe Power were going to be involved and although we don’t have much to play for anymore it would have been a great opportunity for those younger guys to play a part.

“There’s always this week I suppose and we may adopt a similar approach in terms of giving the younger players a chance.”

It was a similar story at the Rec as the second team saw their home clash with Bere Regis called off due to the wet weather.

Captain Ian Sibley said: “I had a phone call on Saturday morning saying it was off and when I went down to the ground at 10.30am it was very wet.”

The county town thirds, who were set to visit Blandford Thirds, also fell victim to the rain.

Dorchester will be hopeful of better weather this week as they host their annual cricket week at the Rec.

Youth matches are the focus today and Friday, tomorrow sees an all-day affair between a Dorchester XI and Robinscroft (11.30am) while a West Dorset XI provide the opposition in a similar format on Wednesday (11.30am).

The hosts then take on Poole Town on Thursday in a 40-over encounter (1pm) before ex-Som-erset batsman Peter Bowler is the guest speaker at a comedy night that evening in the Prince’s Marquee at the Avenue Stadium.

For tickets, which cost £20 and include a meal, contact Pete Tucker on 07810275847.

A marquee and bar will be available at all games this week.