MARTYN Richards hopes to banish the memory of last year’s capitulation against tomorrow’s opponents Poole Town with victory in East Dorset (1.30pm).

Dorchester looked on course for a vital win in their push for the Dorset Premier League crown, but after Dan Belt’s seven-wicket haul had the visitors skittled for 164, the county town outfit pressed the self-destruct button and were all out for a paltry 61.

The defeat proved extremely costly in the title race and Richards is desperate to avoid a repeat show.

The skipper said: “Our game against them last year was one of the three matches we lost, and in each of those we were in winning positions. Unfortunately we couldn’t finish the job.

“Dan bowled a terrific spell against Poole and took seven wickets, and at tea we thought the game was won.

“But they came back and bowled really well, and we were all out for just 61.

“We’ll be looking to banish those memories and put in a performance more akin to the one in 2008 that helped us win the league.”

Dorchester enter the clash in high spirits after snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against Stalbridge on the opening day.

And their cause is further boosted by the return of paceman Phil Morley.

Richards added: “Having Phil back is a huge boost. He has been an important strike bowler for us over the years and it’s great to have him back at Poole Park.

“He is itching to get back and hopefully he can take some wickets.

“John Legg is unfortunate to miss out but he will go into the seconds and play a big role there, which is important for his development.”

Looking back on Saturday’s remarkable one-run triumph, the captain said: “We’re still pinching ourselves to make sure it wasn’t a dream.

“We couldn’t see ourselves winning during their innings but from nowhere Dan pulled two quick wickets out of the hat and the spinners did the rest.

“Morale is really high and we want go to Poole and put in another good performance. They had a good result last weekend against Weymouth and they will be up there throughout the season.

“They bat all the way down so we will have to work really hard to pick up all 10 wickets.

“We have the personnel to win games, we just need to make sure people step up to the plate.”

Dorchester: Maslen, Waite, Rendell, Belt, Richards, Herbert, Little, Roe, Morley, Subramanian, Dunham.