MARTYN Richards is refusing to underestimate struggling Ferndown Wayfarers ahead of tomorrow’s Dorset Premier League clash at Dolmans Farm (1.30pm).
Tomorrow’s hosts currently lie second from bottom following a 21-run loss to Weymouth and a nine-wicket thrashing at the hands of Broadstone, in which Wayfarers were skittled for a paltry 45.
However, Dorchester’s skipper is taking nothing for granted, despite seeing his side occupy top spot.
He said: “Ferndown have had a tricky start but they have got two or three really good batters so we know it’s really important to take early wickets.
“They were bowled out for 45 against Broadstone on the opening day but we are not going to read anything into that.
“They did okay against Weymouth and were in a position where they could have gone on to win the game. We will just concentrate on our own game and try to improve on last week’s performance.
“Although it was an emphatic vic-tory there is plenty of room for improvement. If we can improve little by little and keep morale high then we’ll be okay.”
The county town outfit make just one change from the side that battered Blandford last weekend.
Andy Mead, last summer’s all-rounder of the year and players’ player of the year, is available once again and comes in for Dave Herbert.
Richards added: “Dave’s very unlucky as in the games we’ve had he hasn’t done anything wrong, it’s just a case of being able to use a player of Andy’s calibre.
“He was terrific when opening the bowling for us last year and he is great in the middle order.
“He’s been unavailable for the last three weeks due to teaching commitments but he’s now available for the next three weeks, which is great.
“We’re looking forward to having him back in the team as we hope to get another 20 points at Ferndown.”
Dorchester: Maslen, Waite, Rendell, Belt, Richards, Mead, Little, Roe, Morley, Subramanian, Dunham.
* Dorchester Seconds also face Wayfarers opposition in the form of their second string (2pm).
The county town side are boosted by the return of co-captain Steve Budd for the Dorset League Division Two encounter at the Rec.
And he will be joined in the squad by Dave Herbert and Stuart Beasley.
Colin Edney and Chris Backhouse are both unavailable while Dom Royle drops to the thirds, who travel to lowly Pimperne in Division Five (2pm).
Dorchester Seconds: I Legg, Sibley, Evans, Herbert, Ames, Power, J Legg, Beasley, Budd, Peake, Brown.
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